Cornie (CC) Thiessen
1929-2026
Father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend!
Cornie was born to Cornelius and Susanna Thiessen on March 21st, 1929 in the village of Schoenwiese Manitoba. Cornie left his earthly body and passed on to his eternal home in the early hours of January 31, 2026.
Cornie was the second oldest of five children of whom two, one sister and one brother passed on in early life. He attended elementary school in the village of Schoenwiese where he finished Grade 8. Dad enjoyed his childhood playing with his cousins and keeping an eye on a young girl named Helena Falk. Dad married the love of his life, Helena Falk on November 10th, 1951 with Bishop Johann Bueckert officiating. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage and were blessed with 4 sons and 4 daughters.
Dad was predeceased by mom in 2012, two daughters in infancy, Elaine and Viola, two sons, Vern accidentally in 2008 at the age of 38, Harv on December 9, 2025. Dad is survived by two sisters, two sister-in-laws, and one brother-in-law, two sons, Alvin (Carol), Gerald (Tina), and two daughters, Sylvia (Vic), Bev (Jackie) and daughter-in-law Helene, 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Dad accepted Christ at a young age and as he matured, his faith in Christ grew and became real to him. He was baptized June 15th, 1949 by Bishop Toews in the Sommerfelder Mennonite Church in Reinland.
Dad grew up farming and enjoyed life on the farm. He enjoyed helping others and was often found helping someone at the expense of his own crops. Helping others in need ultimately led to being called into ministry in the church. Dad continued farming during this time but his passion for walking with and serving others took priority.
In 1968 Dad & Mom were elected as Deacons and joined the Ministerial Team in the Blumenort Mennonite Church (BMC) in Rosetown. From there Dad became church council chair and then in 1975 Dad was ordained to the Ministry and installed as Leading minister at the BMC and served in this capacity for seven years. In each step Dad leaned heavily on the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In 1982 Dad resigned as leading minister but his passion for this ministry and devotion to God never wavered. In the early 1990’s following their move off the farm and into Winkler Dad led Bible studies at the Heritage High Rise and the Lion’s Manor. For a period of time Dad travelled to the EMM church in Altona to preach in their low German services. Dad would prepare his lessons in English, practice in low German, and on one occasion in particular there was a couple who only spoke high German so he switched to high German for that day. Dad often mentioned and gave credit to the Holy Spirit for giving him what he needed in those times.
From 1991-1993 Dad accepted the position of interim pastor at the Carman Mennonite Church travelling back and forth from Winkler.
Even though Dad’s preaching and teaching officially came to an end, on a personal level the desire to serve the Lord never left him. He used many opportunities to share his faith and his love for Christ! Even in his last years and days of being in care at Peter George Dyck Villages in Buhler and at Salem, Dad encouraged, prayed with and for the staff. His deepest desire was that no one should perish but all would come to know and accept His Lord and Saviour.
Dad studied the Bible faithfully and spent many hours in prayer. Regularly he prayed for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Dad’s biggest passion and deepest longing was that all of us would join him in eternity some day.
We want to express our thanks to the staff at Peter George Dyck Villages, and the staff at Salem for their deep love of and care for Dad. Thankyou to Wiebe’s funeral home for their compassionate care. Thankyou also to Randy Smart and Pastor Dean Huber for their care. Most of all we want to thank our God and give Him the honour and glory for the legacy and example Dad left for us. Until we meet again! Your loving family.
1929-2026
Father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend!
Cornie was born to Cornelius and Susanna Thiessen on March 21st, 1929 in the village of Schoenwiese Manitoba. Cornie left his earthly body and passed on to his eternal home in the early hours of January 31, 2026.
Cornie was the second oldest of five children of whom two, one sister and one brother passed on in early life. He attended elementary school in the village of Schoenwiese where he finished Grade 8. Dad enjoyed his childhood playing with his cousins and keeping an eye on a young girl named Helena Falk. Dad married the love of his life, Helena Falk on November 10th, 1951 with Bishop Johann Bueckert officiating. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage and were blessed with 4 sons and 4 daughters.
Dad was predeceased by mom in 2012, two daughters in infancy, Elaine and Viola, two sons, Vern accidentally in 2008 at the age of 38, Harv on December 9, 2025. Dad is survived by two sisters, two sister-in-laws, and one brother-in-law, two sons, Alvin (Carol), Gerald (Tina), and two daughters, Sylvia (Vic), Bev (Jackie) and daughter-in-law Helene, 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Dad accepted Christ at a young age and as he matured, his faith in Christ grew and became real to him. He was baptized June 15th, 1949 by Bishop Toews in the Sommerfelder Mennonite Church in Reinland.
Dad grew up farming and enjoyed life on the farm. He enjoyed helping others and was often found helping someone at the expense of his own crops. Helping others in need ultimately led to being called into ministry in the church. Dad continued farming during this time but his passion for walking with and serving others took priority.
In 1968 Dad & Mom were elected as Deacons and joined the Ministerial Team in the Blumenort Mennonite Church (BMC) in Rosetown. From there Dad became church council chair and then in 1975 Dad was ordained to the Ministry and installed as Leading minister at the BMC and served in this capacity for seven years. In each step Dad leaned heavily on the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In 1982 Dad resigned as leading minister but his passion for this ministry and devotion to God never wavered. In the early 1990’s following their move off the farm and into Winkler Dad led Bible studies at the Heritage High Rise and the Lion’s Manor. For a period of time Dad travelled to the EMM church in Altona to preach in their low German services. Dad would prepare his lessons in English, practice in low German, and on one occasion in particular there was a couple who only spoke high German so he switched to high German for that day. Dad often mentioned and gave credit to the Holy Spirit for giving him what he needed in those times.
From 1991-1993 Dad accepted the position of interim pastor at the Carman Mennonite Church travelling back and forth from Winkler.
Even though Dad’s preaching and teaching officially came to an end, on a personal level the desire to serve the Lord never left him. He used many opportunities to share his faith and his love for Christ! Even in his last years and days of being in care at Peter George Dyck Villages in Buhler and at Salem, Dad encouraged, prayed with and for the staff. His deepest desire was that no one should perish but all would come to know and accept His Lord and Saviour.
Dad studied the Bible faithfully and spent many hours in prayer. Regularly he prayed for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Dad’s biggest passion and deepest longing was that all of us would join him in eternity some day.
We want to express our thanks to the staff at Peter George Dyck Villages, and the staff at Salem for their deep love of and care for Dad. Thankyou to Wiebe’s funeral home for their compassionate care. Thankyou also to Randy Smart and Pastor Dean Huber for their care. Most of all we want to thank our God and give Him the honour and glory for the legacy and example Dad left for us. Until we meet again! Your loving family.