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William Dueck

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William Alexander Dueck died Nov. 25, 2009. He was born May 13, 1918 in Kharkov, Ukraine to Abram and Agatha Dueck. He immigrated with his family to Canada in 1924, settling near Beechy, Sask., where they farmed for 13 years before moving to Winnipeg. Bill graduated Grade 12 in 1937, an almost unheard-of achievement for an immigrant farm boy. Bill attended normal school in 1938 and became a teacher. He came to faith as a child and was baptized in North Kildonan MB Church in 1941. Bill married Olga Neufeld Aug. 3, 1941. He taught in Arborg, Man., their first 2 years of marriage, then spent the latter years of WWII performing alternative service at the Hudson’s Bay outpost in Oxford House, Man. Bill had a life-long interest in education, earning a BSc and BEd in the 1950s, an MEd in 1966. Teaching posts included MBCI (1946–1948) and 32 years in Winnipeg School Division. He was a principal the last 18 years of his career. Bill was instrumental in forming Winnipeg’s first Ukrainian immersion school. He served as trustee in River East School Division. Life was busy with family, travelling, and an abiding interest in building. Retirement activities included writing a book on the Dueck and Neufeld families, golfing, bowling, and puttering at the cottage at Camp Arnes. Bill and Olga were charter members of McIvor Avenue MB Church, Winnipeg. Predeceased by son William (Juliana) in 2001, Olga in 2007; Bill is mourned by children Richard (Maureen MacDougall), Gerald (Barbara Gfellner), and Sharon (Eric Marshall); 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild.

  • Birth: May 13, 1918
  • Birthplace:
    Kharkov, Ukraine
  • Death: November 25, 2009
  • Parents:
    Abram and Agatha Dueck
  • Married:
    Olga Neufeld, Aug. 3, 1941
  • Family:
    Predeceased by son William (Juliana) in 2001, Olga in 2007; Bill is mourned by children Richard (Maureen MacDougall), Gerald (Barbara Gfellner), and Sharon (Eric Marshall); 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild.
  • Baptism:
    North Kildonan MB Church, 1941