William Heese

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WILLIAM HEESE
July 30, 1930 - October 10, 2017

As the golden rays of sun flickered across the treetops in the late afternoon hours of October 10, 2017, William, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather closed his eyes one last time and was gathered by his Heavenly Father and carried to his eternal home. He had fought the good fight and now embraced his promised destiny.

Dad was born in Winnipeg on July 30, 1930, first son of Dietrich and Elisabeth Heese. He grew up on a small mixed farm just south of Grunthal, which he often affectionately referred to by its original settlement name of Neue Hoffnung. He attended Spencer North School for nine years of education and then finished by taking his Grade 10 at Goodwill School in Grunthal. Many are the times we heard his stories of how he trekked three miles to school day after day, rain or shine.

One wintry night as he was out skating on an outdoor rink, his eye caught Mary Wiens', and the spark of love was ignited. The rest is history. They were married on October 20, 1951 and were blessed with 61 years of marriage, five children, 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Dad was a farmer to the core until his dying day. He loved nothing more than spending LONG hours on the field, cultivating, making hay, combining and above all picking rocks. He took great delight in all the rocks he picked. The fruits of his labor are visible on the clean fields and the monuments of rock piles bordering them. He also took great pleasure in riding the four-wheeler out to the alfalfa fields and setting traps for the pesky pocket gophers. Though he longed to go out on a tractor to work in the fields this past summer, he had to content himself with Eric and Nick's frequent farm progress reports.

Dad also loved tractors. Buying antique tractors and riding the Allis D15 in the annual Tractor Parade became a passion for him in his later years.

Though he didn't talk about it, Dad had a strong faith in God. It was part of who he was. On the confession of his faith, he was baptized on Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 1950. Family devotions, church attendance and serving in church were simply part of how life was to be lived. Over the years he joyfully served both as Sunday School teacher and as deacon.

When Mom's health declined, he lovingly took it upon himself to look after her needs for as long as he was able. When she went to the Menno Home, he faithfully went to visit her bringing her treats of soft boiled eggs and Plume Moos, which he cooked himself.

It was Dad's desire to stay in his family home to the very end. We wish to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the wonderful team of Silver Lining Care, who so lovingly ministered both to his physical and spiritual needs in this past year of his life. We would also like to acknowledge personnel from Southern Health, who supplied us with medical expertise to help fulfill his wishes.

Though we celebrate that Dad is in the best of all places, he will be greatly missed. Dad will be lovingly remembered by his children: Liz Heese of Grunthal, Eric & Hilda Heese of Grunthal, Peter & Gail Heese of Winnipeg, Laura & Robert Mahara of Grunthal and Edna & Dan Thiessen of Steinbach; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; one sister Mary; one brother Fred; and three sisters-in-law. He was predeceased by his wife Mary in 2013 and his son Johnny in 1992.

The family wishes to express appreciation and gratitude for all the prayers, words of encouragement, cards and expressions of sympathy received from family and friends.

The funeral service for William took place on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Elim Mennonite Church, Grunthal, MB. with the burial at the Grunthal Cemetery, Grunthal, MB.

If friends desire, donations in memory of William may be made to the Eden Foundation or a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Oct 16, 2017