Martin Jacob Thiessen

1947 - 2021

Martin Jacob Thiessen was born to Dietrich and Helen Thiessen on March 5, 1947 in Warman, Saskatchewan.  He went home to his Saviour on April 6, 2021 at the age of 74.

Martin grew up in a large family with five siblings.  After his mother passed away when he was very young, his father married Mary Balzer.

He met the love of his life, Elma Wiebe, in Saskatoon and they were married there on August 29, 1970. They were thankful for fifty years together. They were blessed with five children whom they raised in Waldheim, Saskatchewan.  During this time, Martin renewed his commitment to the Lord and was baptized in the Saskatchewan River. He came to love Jesus dearly, and after suffering a stroke, he realized how much he needed to totally depend on his Lord and Saviour.  He often said, “Without Jesus, I can do nothing”.

Martin’s love of music and singing began at an early age while singing in a boys’ choir.  He learned the value of hard work early on, and by his teen years, he was working as a farm hand.  Throughout his life, he did various jobs such as coal and potash mining, truck driving, steel worker, and a security job.  His true passion was concrete finishing, and he ran his own business for many years.  He passed on his strong work ethic and many skills to his children as they worked alongside him.

While raising his family, he enjoyed playing golf, bowling, and broomball.  He was very active in all his children’s sports activities, as a coach and a spectator, always ready to buy ice-cream after, win or lose.  Family camping and road-trips were a tradition that led to many memories.

After retirement, Martin and Elma drove countless miles to see family, as well as to attend gospel jamborees.  One of his long-time passions was cheering for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.  He also enjoyed playing crokinole, cribbage, and card games.

In 2018 they moved to Minitonas, Manitoba.  It was difficult to say goodbye to friends and their church family at Salem Church where they had fellowshipped for over thirty-five years, but they were happy to spend more precious time with some of their children and grandchildren.

Left to mourn are his loving wife, Elma, children: Gary and Tobey (Luke, Kenya), Patrick Reader (Emily, Trent), Gloria and Chris Orton, Mike, and Dan and Mandy; siblings: Edna and Larry Schmidt, Margie and Rene Ybarra, Bernie, Louise Gurski, and Aggie Klassen; brothers-in law: Edwin Wiebe and Lee Agarand, and sister in law: Norma and Terry Harms.

Martin was pre-deceased by his daughter, Gail Reader; brother in law, Harold Gurski; and sisters in law Verna Agarand and Jean Wiebe.

If friends so desire, donations in Martin’s memory may be made to Steeprock Bible Camp, Box 3107, Swan River, Manitoba or to Camp Kadesh, Box 56, Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan S0J 0N0.

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail, Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775 www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

Steeprock Ministries
Box 3107, Swan River MB R0L 1Z0

Camp Kadesh
Box 56, Christopher Lake SK S0J 0N0