Evelyn Thiessen

1938 – 2022

 

“I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25)

On April 30, God gently called Evelyn home to heaven into His loving presence where she is finally free from her earthly struggles. 

Evelyn was born on May 27, 1938 in the homestead dwelling near Aberdeen, Sk to Peter and Margaret Klassen.  Evelyn was the youngest of 10 daughters and one son.  In the fall of 1944, Evelyn moved with her family to a farm close to Helston, Manitoba and it was here that she started her education at Berton School.  She loved school and learning.  She completed her schooling at Austin High School.

As a young teenager, Evelyn attended Assiniboia Bible Camp at Headingly.  It was here that she came to trust in Jesus as her Savior.  Her faith in our loving Heavenly Father sustained her during difficult times later in life.

Evelyn’s first job after graduation was at CIBC bank in Portage la Prairie.  In her early 20’s, Evelyn met Irvin Thiessen at a choir practice at the church she was attending in Gladstone.  On April 16, 1961 they were married in MacGregor. 

Their first home was a trailer, initially at Portage and later in Austin.  They both worked at Carnation Foods at Carberry for some time.  In 1965 they decided to purchase a farm near Austin and began cattle farming. 

The Lord blessed Evelyn and Irvin with a chosen family, adopting Grant in 1967, and Linette in 1970.  Evelyn loved her new role of motherhood which was always evident in her tender care for their children… and later for their spouses and grandchildren.

The years that passed were filled with work on the farm and family and church activities.  During this time Evelyn also enjoyed teaching Sunday School, leading Friendship Bible Coffees, and helping serve in various ways for many years with the Ladies Aid group from their church.  Evelyn also enjoyed working for 20 years as a Homecare worker which gave her much satisfaction as she cared very much about the people she would look after. 

Evelyn was creative and talented in many ways: sketching, watercolor painting, decorating, and writing poetry.  If there was an occasion coming up in the family, at church or in the community, she was often asked to compose a song or poem.  In the midst of her caring for her family and others, Evelyn also quietly dealt with her own mental health and a very real struggle with anxiety.  Irvin was a strong support when life looked darkest to her and together, they looked to the Lord and sought help.

In 2003, Evelyn and Irvin made the difficult decision to retire from farming and move into Austin as sadly, Irvin was undergoing cancer treatments.  His passing in January 2005, brought much grief and loneliness, yet with God’s grace and prayer, Evelyn bravely carried on.

She always appreciated visits and phone calls from friends and family, and she continued to extend love and kindness to others who were sick or alone. 

When her own health began to decline, Evelyn eventually needed to move to the MacGregor Care Center.  Though she was now dealing with dementia, she always knew her family who came to visit.  She continued to love people, enjoy coffee and donuts, chinese checkers, listening to music and God’s Word.

Evelyn was predeceased by her husband Irvin, her parents Peter and Margaret Klassen, her siblings – Margaret, Helen, John, Anne, Agnes, Mary, Katherine as well as one brother Peter in infancy.

Left to cherish her memory are her children – Grant and his wife Anne, Linette and her husband Terry Giesbrecht, and her grandchildren Clinton (Alana), Kayla and Kyle.

She is survived by 3 sisters – Susan Schellenberg, Betty Klassen, Gertrude  (Henry) Sawatsky and their families.  As well as Irvin’s sisters – Elvina (Menno) Hamm, Lenora Kauenhofen, Evie Friesen, Wendy Thiessen along with their families. 

 

This service will be video recorded, and made available for viewing on Saturday May 7, 2022.