HENRY H. DUECK

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HENRY H. DUECK January 17, 1905 - September 27, 1999 On Monday, September 27, 1999, Henry H. Dueck, age 94, completed his earthly journey and went to be with his Lord. Henry, the oldest of nine children, was born on January 17, 1905 to Heinrich and Maria Dueck. His early childhood was in Blumenheim, southern Russia, a village of the Molotchna colony and in 1911 his family moved to Arkadak, central Russia. In 1925, he immigrated to Canada and registered a homesteaders land claim near North Battleford, SK. His entire family planned to join him in Saskatchewan the next year, but circumstances changed and in 1926 the family was reunited in Winkler, MB. They farmed near Manitou for three years, and eventually settled in the Boissevain area, where Henry remained until he married Sara (Janzen) Wiebe in 1940. The Duecks farmed at Newton, near Portage la Prairie from 1940 to 1973 when they retired to Winnipeg. They enjoyed their home in the Charleswood area where Henry was able to continue his agricultural interests in gardening and yard work. In 1990 they bought a condominium in the Donwood West complex and lived there until 1994, when they moved to Donwood Manor apartments in North Kildonan. By October, 1998, Henrys aging and deteriorating health required several short stays at various nursing homes, finally arriving at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home, his last stop on this earth. He said, My next home is up. Henry s faith in the Lord grew from the time of his conversion at age 11, and his baptism at age 13 when he joined the Mennonite Brethren church in Arkadak. Church was important to Henry and he was always involved in some area of ministry, teaching, choir conducting, and even some preaching. In Manitou and Boissevain he was part of the founding group of families, and at Newton was active in the Sunday school, church council, and as treasurer. The Duecks appreciated the fellowship of the Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren church for many years. Dad was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, one sister; and one son William (Bill). Leaving to mourn, yet cherish his memory is Sara, his wife of almost 60 years, and children, Sadie (Peter) Klassen of Port Rowan, ON, Williams wife Vera of Winnipeg, Elfrieda (James) Nikkel of Abbotsford, BC, Jake (Eleanor) of Winnipeg, Esther (Jake) Durksen of Winnipeg, Mary (Ted) Goossen of Winkler, MB; 21 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He also leaves one brother and three sisters. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 2 at 9:30 a.m. at the Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, 1420 Portage Ave., with interment to follow in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be Friday, October 1, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson Hwy., and at the church prior to the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel; 338-0331. The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Donwood Manor for their care and compassion shown to Henry. Thank you to all who have visited both Henry and Sara. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Donwood Manor Personal Care Home or to the Gideon Memorial Bible Plan (details will be available at the viewing and the funeral).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 01, 1999