Harry John Thiessen

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Harry Thiessen of Superb, SK. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Harry passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 61 years, Elaine Thiessen. Their enduring partnership was a foundation of love and support for their entire family.

He will forever be cherished by his children: Dwaine and Susy Thiessen, Cheryl and Rob Anderson, and Tracy and Willy Roeleveld.

Harry was a proud and devoted grandfather to Tiara, Wylee, Cheyan, Breann, Kirsten, Jared (Janessa), Shane (Madison), Tyrell, and Janae (Justin). He was also blessed with the joy of his great- grandchildren: Hallie, Cohen, and Beckett.

He will be dearly missed by his brothers, Menno (Eileen), Ed (Judy), his sister in law Glenda, and his brother-in-law Ron, as well as many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Louise Thiessen, his brother Laverne, his sister Grace, and brother-in-law Jake.

A memorial service will be held for Harry on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. at the Kerrobert United Church with Eileen Klaassen officiating.

The service will be live streamed and can be seen at the link below.

Eulogy of Harry John Thiessen

Harry John Thiessen was born in Hague, Saskatchewan on October 26, 1940. He was born to John and Louise Thiessen and was the 2nd oldest of 5 Children.

The family made their home in several communities over the years - first in Big River, then Aberdeen followed by Hague and finally in 1953 settled in Superb. Dad attended school there until grade ten. He attended Rosthern Junior College (RJC) for grade 11 and graduated grade 12 in Kerrobert. Dad often reminisced about those school days- riding the panel bus to school in the summer and in the winter taking a bombardier converted to a bus to get to superb. 

Dad often shared his memories of his first camping trip to Watrous with his family, which was in the back of a grain truck with a tarp over the top. He often reflected on his memories with his brothers and sister.

Growing up, Dad was actively involved in various activities. He was a member of the 4-H Grain Club and enjoyed playing both hockey and baseball. He played for the Luseland Mallards as well as rec hockey.

After graduation dad attended Henderson School of Business in Calgary, Alberta where he studied accounting.

In 1960 dad returned to Kerrobert where he worked for three years at the Kerrobert Co-op Lumber Yard and met the love of his life Elaine Mack.

During their courtship, mom and dad cherished those early days getting to know each other, enjoying drive-in movies, double dating and summer Sundays watching baseball. They also frequented barn dances and spent many hours watching hockey and ball with close family and friends.

Mom and Dad were Married in the Kerrobert United Church on July 24, 1964.

The newlyweds celebrated their honeymoon on a road trip to Montana and up to Banff, followed by their first married vacation, a camping trip to Prince Albert National Park.

Mom and Dad resided at SE 10-33-25 W3rd the same yard as dad’s parents. Their first home was an old pool house moved in from Verulum. Dad embraced his role as a full-time farmer. In 1971 they purchased a newer and larger home from Bob Joyce of Dodsland and moved it onto the yard site.

Together they enjoyed curling in Superb, settling into life on the farm, and being active in the community.   

In April,1966, Dwaine was born, bringing joy and new beginnings to the family. Two years later, in June of 1968, Cheryl arrived, adding another cherished member. Then, in May of 1970, Tracy completed the family, marking a significant chapter in their lives. Each birth brought its own unique happiness and shaped the evolving family dynamic.

The family farm provided so many wonderful memories - suppers in the field during harvest, baby calves being born, plucking chickens, Dwaine throwing knives at sisters, playing in and on the old barn, motorbikes, winter skidoo trips and wiener roasts in the bushes, chores, yard work and gardening as well as hosting family reunions and gatherings.

In the summers, many treasured times were made camping at the lake - North Battleford, Kimble, Greg, Loon Lake and Suffern lake. We all enjoyed fishing, boating, water skiing, campfires, games and visits.  

Winters were filled with special memories on the ski hill - we all learned to ski at Stranraer. Family ski trips to Lake Louise, Banff, Fairmont, Whitefish and Fernie with many friends and family in tow, these family trips have left such cherished memories. 

In 1979 we got to meet Mickey and Minnie - one of our favorite family trips

Many nights were spent helping us kids with their 4-H (beef) projects, helping us with our homework (especially math), volunteering in the community and with the church. Dad was from Superb, but he was actively involved in many communities, including Kerrobert, Major, Luseland, and Superb.

Dad always enjoyed watching us kids play sports, volunteering to drive us and our friends to out-of-town games (which always ended up with a singalong) He was our biggest fan. 

Days on the farm meant bundling up in his coveralls and heading to the shop, where he happily spent his time building, fixing, and using his plasma cutter. As he got older it became even more enjoyable when he got his golf cart, allowing him to move around the farm quickly.

The farm was more than just a place to work, it was a gathering place. There was always someone stopping by, the coffee pot was always full, and the door was always open. That was just who dad was a-welcoming, social, and happiest when surrounded by people.

Music was a huge part of Dad's life, for us one of our favorite memories was when the guitars and harmonicas were brought out amongst his brothers at our family gatherings. (We can’t hear… Just a Spoonful of Sugar... Or Amanda… without lighting up) The four-part harmony with his brothers was so special.  For many years he sang and travelled with the Kerrobert Barber shop quartet, the Superb Mennonite choir, countless practices and traveling with the group, singing and performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His musical passion continued as he attended many Gospel Jamborees, and recently we enjoyed him singing along with the entertainers who visited the long-term care facility.

As empty nesters Mom and Dad took up square dancing. They loved dancing and traveling to other clubs, sharing good times with many friends along the way. They first belonged to the Luseland Square dancing club until it closed, and they continued to dance with the club in Unity, Sk.

Dad loved driving through the countryside, admiring the crops and nature, always with the ultimate goal of ending up somewhere that served ice cream. 

In the spring of 2025 dad moved to long term care in Kerrobert where he peacefully passed away with his family by his side. We will always be grateful to the staff for their compassion and care.  

As we say goodbye, we remember not only what he did but also who he was: a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and farmer. His hands tilled the earth, his love enriched our lives, and his spirit will forever reside within us.

Dad leaves to mourn his wife of 61 years, Elaine Thiessen. Their enduring partnership was a foundation of love and support for their entire family.

 He will forever be cherished by his children: Dwaine and Susy Thiessen, Cheryl and Rob Anderson, and Tracy and Willy Roeleveld.

Harry was a proud and devoted grandfather to Kirsten, Jared (Janessa), Shane (Madison), Tiara, Wylee, Cheyan, Breann, Tyrell, and Janae (Justin). He was also blessed with the joy of his great- grandchildren: Hallie, Cohen, and Beckett.

He will be dearly missed by his brothers, Menno (Eileen), Ed (Judy), his sister-in-law Glenda, and his brother-in-law Ron, as well as many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

Dad was not only blessed by his own family, but also with the love and friendship of his in-laws and their families who welcomed him as one of their own; George and Bonnie, Gary and Karen, Aron and Marj and Murray and Helen

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Louise Thiessen, his brother Laverne, his sister Grace, and brother-in-law Jake.

Dad's life was simple in the best possible way - he loved deeply, worked honestly and laughed freely. He didn't need grand achievements or fame, he found meaning in everyday moments, in family dinners, shared stories and the quiet satisfaction of a day's work well done. 

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