Cornelius Peter Thiessen
1928 – 2006
Cornelius Peter Thiessen went to be with his Savior peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, April 09, 2006. He leaves his loving wife of 51 years Anne (Braun), one daughter Joanne and Harv Warkentin and their three children Ryan, Curtis, and Jeremy. One son Grant and Karen Thiessen, their three children Matthew, Corey, and Kelsey and their soon to be adopted daughters Yolanda and Farah. He is also survived by two sisters Mary and John Heide (Winkler) and Anne and Henry Klassen (Morden), two sister in-laws Kay Thiessen (Altona) and Tina Thiessen (Crystal City) and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Bill (Altona) and Peter (Crystal City) and sisters Helen Heide (Killarney) and Elizabeth Neufeld (Bolivia).
Cornie was born to Peter W. and Helena Thiessen of Schoenwiese, MB on October 22, 1928. Dad was baptized upon his confession of faith on May 14th 1951.
On October 14th 1954 he married Anne Braun of Plum Coulee. They moved to Killarney MB, where they farmed for 10 years. After a farming accident in 1963 they moved into Killarney where he began his sales career. He was involved in many church and community activities.
In 1985 they moved to Winnipeg where they lived for 19 years again being involved in various church activities.
In September of 2004 they moved to Morden where they quickly made many friend and renewed old acquaintances. Dad especially enjoyed their Saturday morning breakfast debates around biblical topics. He had the gift of making people feel comfortable and at ease as soon as he met them. His sense of humor and positive attitude often drew people to him.
Mom and dad enjoyed traveling and spending time together, they were best of friends supporting each other through good and tough times. They showed us what a marriage should be.
He cherished the opportunity to spend time with each of his grandchildren and attend their special activities such as sporting events, graduations and baptisms. He looked forward to the time when he could go with each grandchild for a drive when they first received their learners. And yes the trip had to include a stop in Schoenwiese. He was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his two new granddaughters who are in an orphanage in Haiti. When he told us last week that he thought the youngest one Yolanda looked like a “Thiessen” we knew this was now his grandchild without even meeting her. He took the time to get to know each of his grandchildren on their own level and interests enjoying every minute of it. When the boys began bringing girlfriends over, he was quick to welcome them, show his approval and give his acceptance. His famous comment was I never thought I would live long enough to do or see that.
His world opened up when he purchased his first computer at the age of 71 and joined the world of online seniors. He enjoyed taking computer courses and learning what this computer thing was all about, often calling his grandchildren for help. Digital photography was his next step when they received a camera for their 50th anniversary. Now I guess mom will get a chance to use it.
As a family we always appreciated how dad led us by example in his Christ centered life. He lived each day showing us he was prepared to meet his maker. His love for God was evident in all his activities. As it is very hard to say good bye we are confident we will see him again in heaven as scripture promises.
So dad this is not good bye, we will see you later.
Funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 11:00 am at Morden Mennonite Church with Rev. John Wiebe officiating. Interment followed at Winkler Cemetery.
Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden in care of arrangements.