Rudy Thiessen
May 27, 1941 - January 25, 2021
Tribute
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rudy Thiessen on January 25, 2021, while under the kind, compassionate, and loving care of his immediate family.
Rudy Thiessen was born May 27, 1941 in Einlage, Ukraine. During WW2, through a series of circumstances, the family fled Russia to West Germany, however, his father was taken to a Siberian prison camp. Through the help of MCC and the Red Cross, the family emigrated to Abbotsford, BC in 1948. Rudy and his siblings all attended MEI. Rudy was an athlete and enjoyed sports.
After high school, Rudy worked in Terrace on the tug boats before learning the electrical trade in Vancouver. Rudy married his high-school sweetheart, Lois Warkentin on August 3, 1962. While earning his BA at Fresno Pacific, in California, Rudy was a goalie for the soccer team which had a chance to play at the San Quentin prison. Rudy completed his teacher’s training at SFU and began his career at Aldergrove Secondary. Two years later, he was hired at MEI, where he taught the boy’s PE classes and coached many sports.
Rudy was active in Butler MB in CA; Killarney MB; Bakerview and Northview churches. The couple and their family also served in Paraguay for two years. Rudy impacted many students through his years of teaching, influencing and helping to build character in his students and those on the teams he coached.
Rudy retired from MEI in 2000 after teaching there for about 30 years. His strong faith and love for Jesus was the theme of his life and motivated him to a life of service. Missions trips took them to Bolivia, Fiji, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Russia. Through the MDS branch of MCC, Rudy worked in practical ways to “Respond, Rebuild, Restore” in California, Louisiana, and New York City after natural disasters. The couple volunteered eleven times at Haggai International in Maui and spent countless ongoing hours volunteering at the MCC Centre Thrift in Abbotsford until Jan 12, 2021.
After a short battle with cancer, Rudy graduated to his heavenly home on January 25, 2021. The family gave him loving care, at his home, in his last days. Rudy is survived by his wife, Lois, of nearly 59 years; by his siblings, Hank (Olwyn) Thiessen, Al (Anita) Thiessen, Elise (Ben) Wiebe, Leni (Dietrich) Willer; by three children, Debbie (Matt) Born, Keith (Denise) Thiessen, Rodney (Leila) Thiessen; 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
A link to a memorial video will be available shortly. Please visit this obituary again in the near future.
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: Erika Harder Unrau and Rudy Unrau
Relation: Cousin
Lois and family, we extend our sincerest condolences on Rudy’s passing. I have very fond memories of my cousin during my growing up years. I will be forever thankful to Rudy and Lois for the love they shared towards my parents and me and my family over the years. Treasure all the memories and Blessings to Lois and family.
From: Elfriede Schmidt
Relation: He was my uncle
Elfi Schmidt and family, his niece from Germany, send condolences to family and friends.
From: Bill and Susan Bartleman
Lois and family we are deeply sorry for your loss. Rudy was a kind and cheerful man. Always had a ready smile for everyone.
From: Len & Marge Neufeld
Relation: Attended Northview Church together
Marge and I have many good memories of Rudy and Lois as we shared fellowship times at Northview Church. We also had the privilege of being part of the missions team with them that went to Bolivia in 1990. May the Lord wrap his arms of love around you in this time of loss.
From: Elva and Jack Braun
Relation: Great friend
Lois, we are so sorry to hear that Rudy is gone. Our condolences to you and your family. May God’s loving arms comfort you.
From: Esther Rempel
Relation: friend
We were so sorry to read about Rudy in the paper today! He has gone on to his HUGE reward for a life well-served. He was always a joy to visit with at Camp Stillwood, MCC etc. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Lois and family. Love Esther & Lloyd Rempel
From: Tim Buhler
Relation: nephew
Our thoughts and prayers are with you even though we cannot be close at this time.
I will always remember Uncle Rudy for his thoughtful and positive outlook and the interest he took in us.
From: Helen Nickel
Relation: Friends
A life well lived indeed! Your love for people and dedication to serve with honesty and faithfulness will always be remembered. Lois and your family : May the Lord be your constant comfort as you walk this path of grief with the assurance that “He will never leave you or forsake you”.
From: Helen Nickel
Relation: Friends
Rudy will always be remembered for his faithfulness and friendly approach to people. Your dedication as a couple to service with honesty and love was always an example. May you always be assured of God’s wonderful presence as you walk this path of grief with “I will never leave you or forsake you”.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
February 13, 2021
Beginning at 10:00am
Location:
https://youtu.be/P-3WAqsfiiI
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Live Service
https://youtu.be/P-3WAqsfiiISend 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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