Obituary of Ed Thiessen

Ed passed away March 21, 2023 with Lee by his side following surgery at St. Boniface Hospital. Born June 14, 1945 in Altona, the family moved in 1954 to a farm near Killarney where he attended Jaques School.  At the age of 14, he started working at various farms in the area.  In 1963 he began honing his natural mechanical abilities, apprenticing at Freeman Motors in Killarney.  For over 50 years he worked as a mechanic repairing agricultural equipment, recreational vehicles, and automobiles; culminating with owning his own business, Ed’s Service Centre (Brandon) in 1994.  Ed worked long hours, but always made time for weekend fun; camping in summer and outdoor activities in winter with family and friends.  While working in St. Lazare, he met Lee.  They were married in 1971, and resided in Brandon until his passing.  From the time he bought his first car, Ed loved being behind the wheel.  With Lee as navigator, the family explored vast areas of North America on annual summer vacations.  In retirement, Ed and Lee continued to travel by motorhome and enjoyed their seasonal lot in Kerry Park Campground. Remembered and cherished by his beloved wife Lee, and children Kim (Nick) Richard, Chris (Joanne) Thiessen, and grandchildren Elliott and Gwen Richard.  Survived by his siblings, Elma (Henry) Remple, Mary Enns, Anne Tschetter, Jake Thiessen and Catherine Cowan, and brothers-in-law Dave Penner and Dave Unrau.  Reunited with his parents Jacob and Maria Thiessen; sisters, Tina Penner, Helen Unrau; infant brothers Johnny and Benny; and in-laws Russell Dickson, Frank Enns, Cornie Tschetter and Bernice Thiessen.  Ed will be fondly remembered by his extended family, nieces and nephews, and many friends. A Celebration of Ed’s Life will be held at Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8^th Street on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. A private interment will take place at Killarney Cemetery. Donations in memory of Ed can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (1379 Kenaston Blvd, Winnipeg, MB) or the Salvation Army (9 Princess Ave E, Brandon, MB R7A 1R8).

THANK YOU

We want to thank all who attended the Celebration of Life for Ed. Thank you for the messages of condolence, the many cards and phone calls. Your comfort and support meant the world to us. We also express our gratitude to Dr. April Boyd and the staff of St. Boniface ICU for their exhaustive care and compassion.

                                                                                  Lee Thiessen and Family