ABRAM THIESSEN

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ABRAM THIESSEN Peacefully on April 19th, 2007 at Concordia Hospital surrounded by family, Abram Thiessen went to be with his Lord and Saviour. Abram was born on December 17, 1928 on a farm near Killarney, MB to George and Helen Thiessen (Loewen). He moved to Winnipeg in 1953; there he met Helen Isaak, whom he married and shared his life with for 52 years. Abe loved baseball, gardening, puzzle building and golfing, but his main passion in life was seeing people come to know and experience a relationship with Jesus. Abram is predeceased by his parents, sisters, Helen Hiebert (George), Margaret Southgate (Cecil), and brother George (Dorothy). He was much loved and will be missed by his wife Helen; children, Victor (Kathy), Carolyn (Brian Kessler) and Walter (Carol); grandchildren, Janelle Thiessen, Katrina Thiessen, Jonathan Kessler (Monica), Jayme Kessler, Rebekah Thiessen, Cara Thiessen and Daniel Thiessen. He is also survived by his sister Susan Boschman, brother Jake (Anna) and many nieces, nephews and friends. After 30 years of driving bus for the Winnipeg Transit, he retired in 1986 and pursued his deeper desire of going to Bible School at which he later became director. A Board member of Springs Church since it's foundation in 1980, he was also involved in hospital visitation, prison ministry, Cambodian ministry, home Bible studies, prayer meetings, men's ministry, Evergreens (senior's ministry) and together with his wife Helen, served in many, many more volunteer positions in the church - too many to list. During his earlier years while driving bus, he was involved in Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church, teaching Sunday school, and then helped build Springfield Heights Mennonite Church where he taught Sunday school and became Superintendent. He later helped start Northdale Mennonite Fellowship and served as a lay pastor. His involvement in the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship where he became President were very meaningful years and he so enjoyed hosting their TV Talk show. The incredible example of his faithful life has not been lost on his family. He has left a legacy in which all his children along with their spouses and their children are all actively involved in serving God within their churches. Special thanks to Pastor Leon Fontaine, the pastoral staff and friends of Springs Church for their many prayers and support. Thanks as well to the doctors and staff of Concordia Hospital. The celebration of his life will be held at Springs Church, 595 Lagimodiere Blvd., on Monday, April 23, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. with viewing being held one hour prior to the service. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Springs Church Inner City Missions, 595 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R2J 3X2. Rock Fontaine Funeral Director, Winnipeg, in care of arrangements, (204) 223-2576

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 21, 2007