March 10, 2022
In loving memory ~
Passed away peacefully at 11:35 am on March 10, 2022 and went to be with his Lord at the age of 89 years. Survived by his loving wife Carol Thiessen; they were happily married just shy of 40 years.
Rudi will be lovingly remembered by his children Douglas, Laurel and Andrew Thiessen, as well as his grandchildren Ellason and Alexis Thiessen. Rudi is survived by his sister Helene and his nephews Eddie, Ronnie and Rob Loewen, and his niece Linda Petik. Many others will deeply miss him from his large Mennonite family.
Born on a bridge that bordered Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine in 1932 made for an interesting start to his life. Rudi survived World War II and eventually made his way to Canada via Peru when he was 20 years of age. He had an early passion for teaching and pursued his degree at Teachers College in Winnipeg, Manitoba and taught in Gimli for many years. He eventually made his way to Hazelton, British Columbia where he met his wife of nearly 40 years, Carol Thiessen, and had three children. Rudi followed his passion for teaching across the province of BC, travelling and moving with his family. After semi-retiring from teaching, Rudi pursued guarding for many years in Alexis Creek, B.C. He eventually made his way to Williams Lake where he retired from teaching officially. An avid reader, Rudi enjoyed daily walks to get the paper and visits to Sam's restaurant where he enjoyed coffee and catching up on the news with his friends, as well as writing short stories. Rudi was well known for being witty, smart, and caring; he will be deeply missed by all those that knew him.