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ELSIE THIESSEN
Born: Dec 26, 1942
Date of Passing: Mar 04, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryELSIE THIESSEN
Elsie Thiessen (née Koch) passed away peacefully at the age of 83, leaving a legacy of laughter, generosity, and warm hospitality that will be remembered by all who knew her. Known affectionately as a Mom, a Tante an Aunt and an Oma, Elsie had an unmatched ability to bring people together, make them laugh, and ensure that there was always room for one more at the table.
Born in Winnipeg on December 26, 1942, Elsie was the youngest of John and Lottie Koch’s four children. She grew up on Winnipeg Avenue in the West End, just behind Jeanne’s Bakery, where family gatherings were filled with music, storytelling, and lively German sing-alongs. These early years instilled in Elsie a love of life, food, and community that would stay with her throughout her life.
Elsie attended Hugh John Macdonald School and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. After graduating, she became a professional secretary, working at Foster Advertising. Her career included organizing the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg and travelling internationally as a timekeeper for Omega at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where she forged lifelong friendships.
In 1968, while dancing at the Canoe Club, Elsie met Peter Thiessen. Their shared love of music and dancing quickly brought them together, and they married on November 8, 1969. Together, they built a life filled with joy, friendship, and countless memorable gatherings.
Summers were always spent at their cottage at Moonlight Bay on West Hawk Lake, where Elsie tended flowers, watched birds and chipmunks, and hosted friends and neighbours for happy hours filled with laughter, wine, and stories. She loved the lake’s nature, the colour of the moon reflecting off the water, and sharing those quiet, beautiful moments with her family.
In 1987, Elsie and Peter purchased U.N. Luggage, transforming it from a small wholesale shop into a Winnipeg travel institution. Her love of travel took her across North America and Europe, often accompanied by family and friends on adventures that included Hawaii, Newfoundland, British Columbia, and a cherished return to Germany in 2006 with her children.
Elsie’s devotion to family was evident in her role as “Oma” to her grandchildren Ivo, Soren, Otto, and Lottie. Christmas at her home was legendary, with decorations in every corner, tables set with fine china and silverware, and thoughtfully chosen gifts carefully arranged beneath the tree. She also loved animals and had a lifelong passion for rescuing strays, caring for birds, and adopting beloved pets, including Smokey, her family dog.
Elsie will be deeply missed by her son Jonathan Thiessen and his wife Desiree Single, grandsons Ivo and Otto; her daughter Jennifer Goreski and her husband Mike, grandson Soren and granddaughter Lottie; her sister-in-law Helen Fast; brother-in-law Henry Thiessen and his wife Katy; her brother Irv Koch; and many nieces and nephews: Sandy and Randy Douglas, Garry and Susan Fast, Rod Thiessen, Debbie Styles, Garth Styles, Brian and Jen Thiessen, Marcie Thiessen, Pam and Scott Wotherspoon, Kelly and Daryl Peters, Jody Koch and Albert Harper, Keely Koch, Kurt Koch, Kristine Skinner and Brad Hultman, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Peter Thiessen and her parents, John and Lottie Koch, her brother Bill and sister Ruth.
Elsie’s life was defined by love, laughter, and generosity. She gave freely of herself, shared joy and food in abundance, and reminded those around her to notice the beauty in everyday moments - like stepping outside to admire the moon. Those who knew her will remember her infectious joy, her delicious cooking, and her unending capacity to make life brighter.
In lieu of flowers, visit a friend and make them smile.
Publish Date: Mar 14, 2026
ELSIE THIESSEN
The family wishes to announce the passing of Elsie on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Bethania Personal Care Home at the age of 83 years.
A full obituary notice will follow.
Publish Date: Mar 9, 2026
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 09, 2026, Mar 14, 2026
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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I have such good memories of the lively couple. Elsie and Peter were. They knew how to welcome others I. Such a generous way. Latter memories include attending the POPS concerts with them. In the earlier years. Herta joined us as well. One evening. Elsie had Peter take the elevator. We lost him. It’s a big venue with lots of places to disappear. Fortunately Peter had gotten off at the highest level and was looking down where we spotted him and requested he remain there until we could join him and get him back to the main level. You’ll have many memories of the good times to carry you through. With love to you and your families. Barbara Siemens. - Posted by: Barbara Siemens (Relative) on: Mar 24, 2026
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To me she was Tante Elsie My first job was babysitting Jen & Jon, Elsie & Peters two adorable kids ... no experience necessary We hid under beds when we heard suspicious noises and had Jon's ninja stars at the ready for the intruder This pattern luckily continued and I was hired for jobs ... always getting work I had no experience in ... thanks for inviting this knowing in me Elsie A big smile and laughter that could be heard many bays over on the lake reflects how Elsie will be remembered by me She dressed impeccably and was happy to spend money on herself ... she earned her own and knew her worth ... Elsie radiated joy from the inside out and her external mirrored her internal glow It was an honor to witness her soul moving gently to the ever after, while Jen, Jon, Katy and I played John Denver's "Take me home, country roads" ... singing with Elsie who also loved this song. I send her up in the hot air balloon overjoyed and excited for all who will get to meet her on this next adventure You are loved Elsie and I still feel your love radiating with every sunrise and moonlight I witness. - Posted by: Debbie Styles (nee Thiessen) (niece/babysitter/joy recipient) on: Mar 21, 2026
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I'm sending my sincerest condolences to you all such fond memories of Elsie. She was always so joyful and kind...🙏 - Posted by: Leona Manicone (employee of UN Luggage) on: Mar 18, 2026
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Elsie was Matron of Honor at our Wedding in 1973. We moved east to Kingston, Ontario, then to Mississauga and now Burlington, Ontario. Life carried on and we both were busy with family and children, as well as building a future. One of my fondest memories will always be the trip to Mexico in 1968 to meet Elsie when she working at the 1968 Olympics. It was an amazing experience and we followed it up with a holiday in Acapulco. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jon and Jennifer and their families. She was a wonderful person who always was ready to help those she came into contact with.. God Bless you all and we will remember how special she was. - Posted by: Gordon and Marylyn Stovel (Friends…Marylyn was attendant at their Wedding and good friends.) on: Mar 15, 2026
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Dear Jon, Jen and families, Your beloved mom was one of those unique persons who left her mark at every turn in the road. I remember dancing alongside Peter and Elsie well into the early hours at The Canoe Club during the 60s. Like Elsie, I had the love of the wanderlust and spent the 70s in Europe and mainly in Germany. Because of that I lost touch for a while with old Wpg friends, but time away did not end the affection that I had for this remarkable couple. The family suffered along with friends as we shared the enormously struggle that Elsie and Peter endured as they reached their last chapters. With deep ❣️ affection...Dal. - Posted by: Dal Redmond (Friend) on: Mar 14, 2026
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I have such wonderful memories of Tante Elsie. Thoughts of her smile and laughter will always be with me. My condolences on the loss of your mom, sister, aunt and grandmother. - Posted by: Shannon Siemens (Family) on: Mar 12, 2026
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Spending time together at the lake. Just great people. Grateful to have known both Elsie and Peter. Sorry for your loss. Jon and Jen and families. - Posted by: Erv and Eleanor Single (in laws) on: Mar 12, 2026
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I was heartbroken to hear of Elsie's passing. To her children, nothing can fill the void of losing your parents. "Grief doesn't vanish. It just folds itself into your life. You laugh again, live again, but there will always be days when a memory grabs your chest and breaks the air in your lungs. That is not weakness, that's love, echoing." I know words can't erase your pain but I hope you know I am thinking of you. Please accept my most heartfelt and deepest condolences. - Posted by: Donna Siemens ((Family)) on: Mar 10, 2026
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I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I admired her greatly. Condolences to your family. Terry - Posted by: Terry Kent (Friend) on: Mar 09, 2026
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Peter & Elsie lived on our street for over 40 years. Peter always had an interesting comment . I remember Peter with cigar in hand & washing his red sports car & Elsie was gracious . She faithfully looked after her mother for many years & then Peter. They were a lovely couple and are sorely missed. Elsie spoke lovingly of her children & grandchildren. Rosie(Peter) Klassen - Posted by: Rosie Klassen (Neighbor) on: Mar 09, 2026
