GERALD THIESSEN

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GERALD THIESSEN It is with deep sadness that the family of Gerald Jacob Thiessen announces his sudden passing at his home in Lorette, MB, on July 9, 2007. He was 48 years old. Gerald was born in Steinbach to Jacob and Sarah Thiessen on April 23, 1959, and was the youngest of four children. His family was always very important to him, and he never hesitated to make contact. He grew up on a farm, and lived there for the first 25 years of his life. Even though he never carried out the farming tradition like his father and brothers did, he always had been a farmer at heart. He jumped at any opportunity to help out his two older brothers on their farms. Despite later taking residence outside of Steinbach, he maintained a close relationship with his parents, Jake and Sarah. If not dropping by weekly for lunch, he would often be there to help whenever needed. Even though he was busy with his own endeavors, helping out family was always a top priority. Gerald was an avid sports enthusiast, and loved to participate in golf, hockey and skiing. It was very important to him to follow his nephews in their sporting events. He often called to check up on when their next hockey games were, and if he had prior commitments, he made sure he found out the result. He loved visiting with his close knit family and friends. Gerald was quite a prankster. He loved to tease and make people smile, trying to put others at ease. Gerald was an incredibly selfless person, putting the needs of others before his own. Gerald was employed with the Manitoba Highways Department since he was 19 years old, and was presently the Highways Maintenance Superintendent of the Eastern Region. Even though it was a physically draining job, he developed very tight relationships with the people he worked with and nothing was more important to him than good friends. He was a very dedicated worker, and aimed to do the best job that he could with every assignment he was given. Gerald is survived by his parents, Jacob and Sarah Thiessen; brothers, Don (Wendy) and their son Stewart; Dennis (Emily) and their sons, Nic (Charlotte) Benjamin, Thomas (Ashley) and Andrew; and sister Eleanor Falk (Cliff) and their children, Kristen and Curtis, as well as many uncles, aunts and cousins. A gathering of friends and family, with a short devotional, will take place Friday, July 13, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, MB. The funeral service will be held on July 14 at the Mennonite Brethren Church, 340 2nd Ave, Steinbach, MB, at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at the Heritage Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Gerald, you will be lovingly missed and we will forever cherish the many fond memories that we have shared with you. You will always be in our hearts. The family wishes to express their appreciation for all the prayers and expressions of sympathy during this difficult time. Arrangements by: Birchwood Funeral Chapel 1-888-454-1030 or 1-204-346-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 12, 2007