Leo Siemens
March 2, 1938 - January 8, 2024
Tribute
Leo Siemens, 85, passed away on January 8, 2024 at the Valhaven Care Home in Abbotsford, BC. Leo was born in Main Centre, SK on March 2, 1938 to Peter & Tena Siemens.
At age 5, Leo’s family moved to Abbotsford, BC where his parents purchased a small dairy/berry farm. When Leo was 9, he accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation with the help of his sister. Seven years later he publicly declared his faith through baptism. Psalm 37:3-7 was one of his favourite Bible passages which challenged and carried him in his walk with God.
God called Leo to pastoral ministry while attending Bible School. He served in Dawson Creek, BC; North Forks, CA; Matsqui, BC; Moose Jaw, SK; Fort St. John, BC and Vauxhall, AB. Leo fully engaged in each church, shepherding his flock. He took a personal interest in people’s lives and prayed for each one by name.
Leo and his future wife, Hilda Stobbe attended the same church but it wasn’t until they served together on a ministry team that they became interested in one another. They were married on August 12, 1960 and served together faithfully for 47 years. God gave them three children: Lorraine, Elaine and Mark.
Leo & Hilda served alongside missionaries in Brazil (1990) and Peru (2003-04) for short term stints which was a highlight for them. Retirement included interim pastoring in Pincher Creek, AB and Hays, AB. He also continued to do carpentry work for himself and others. His love for God, his family and the church was evident. Leading Bible studies, singing in mixed groups and supporting the church continued even after his years of pastoring were done.
Leo enjoyed woodworking at a young age and made many beautiful creations. Hunting, camping, cross country skiing, tennis, table tennis and board games were some of the activities he enjoyed throughout the years. Planning family holidays which included seeing different parts of Canada provided many family memories.
After the death of his first wife, Hilda in November 2007, Leo remarried in July, 2009 to Erna Kopp. Shortly after their wedding, Erna became ill and Leo cared for her until her passing in July 2015. God blessed Leo with another helpmate for the last leg of his earthly journey. Erika Koop became his wife July 23, 2016. In January 2017, Leo suffered a stroke which significantly changed the direction of their lives. Leo & Erika moved to Sunny South Care Home in Coaldale, AB where they continued to be a witness for Jesus. In September 2019, the decision was made to move Leo & Erika to Abbotsford, BC to be closer to both sides of the family. God miraculously opened a door of residence at Valhaven Care Home in October 2021 where Leo was well cared for until his passing.
Leo leaves behind his wife, Erika Siemens, his greatest cheerleader in his last years; his children Lorraine (David Graham), Elaine (Steve Pattimore) and Mark Siemens (Linda); his beloved grandchildren: Micah Elgaard (Judith), Janna Elgaard, Danae (Bradyn Gerber), Damien and Dezrae Pattimore, Emjay Zimmer as well as his four precious great-grandchildren: Colton, Taren, Landon and Brynlee Gerber. He also leaves behind his brother, John and brother-in-law, Jake Friesen as well as extended family through the Stobbe, Kopp and Koop families.
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Roy and Elaine Hein
Relation: Our pastor and special friend for many years
Praying God will grant you peace at this sad time. Pastor Leo will be greatly missed by many
From: Jean Gully
Relation: Friend
He was our pastor in Fort Saint John,he also baptized me ! One of the best pastor I ever had.prayers for his children and wife.
From: Ed/Rita
Relation: Friend
Covering you in our prayers….thinking of the many memories that we have of Leo and the family 💕
From: Arthur Rempel
Relation: Through church in Vauxhall.
I give my deepest condolences to the Siemen family, Leo was a mentor to me as a young Bible School student while he Pastored in Vauxhall. I later reconnected with Leo in Coaldale again having time to spend with him before he had his stroke. I am saddened to here of his passing but also thank God for Leo’s hand in my life. He will be dearly missed. Blessings Arthur Rempel
From: Lawrence & Wanda Kopp
Relation: Step-son
Leo came into my life through his marriage to my mother Erna Kopp. He entered our lives with gentleness, good humour, and careful intention. He was consistently full of grace, hope and love especially when the journey became difficult. He was a tremendous gift to Erna and to our family. He was a beautiful example of the love of Christ lived out.
From: Henry & Kathy Reimer
Relation: pastor & friend
Dear Erika and family, Our sympathy, love & prayer support. Leo has been such a blessing to us as our pastor and friend in Vauxhall and Coaldale .
From: Jake & Leona Janzen
Relation: As our Pastor In Vauxhall,
Leo and Hilda were our dear Pastor Couple and friends in Vauxhall AB. Enjoyed their friendship and times spent together, including going with Leo to hunt deer as a driver while he scouted the fields. It was on this occasion I asked to go with him when he wanted to check out a ravine as thought that could be interesting. Was given permission to come with him but was told “no talking”.
Our condolences to Erika and the Siemens family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
January 15, 2024
Beginning at 1:00pm
Location:
Mill Lake Community Church
33218 Marshall Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
33218 Marshall Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
January 15, 2024
Beginning at 1:00pm
Location:
Mill Lake Community Church
33218 Marshall Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
33218 Marshall Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
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