Funeral For: Ruth Thiessen nee Unrau
Funeral Date: September 15, 2025
Ruth Thiessen nee Unrau, 71, of Winkler formerly of Rosenfeld, passed away Tuesday, September 9th at her residence. She is survived by her husband Dave, 2 daughters, 1 son, and their families.
A memorial service for Ruth Thiessen nee Unrau will be held Monday, September 15th at 2pm at Winkler Mennonite Church with burial prior to the service at 12:30pm at Westridge Memorial Gardens.
Viewing will be at Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler Sunday, September 14th from 1 to 7pm.
Donations may be made to Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
Arrangements by Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler.
With sadness, the family announces the sudden passing of Ruth Thiessen (née Unrau) on September 9, 2025, at her residence in Winkler, Manitoba, at the age of 71 years.
Ruth is lovingly remembered by her husband, Dave, and her children, Jodi (James) Rempel, Julia Thiessen (Myron Dyck), and Brent (Amber) Thiessen, along with her beloved grandchildren, Leo and Fredric Dyck, and Eliana, Toby, and Samara Thiessen. She also leaves behind two brothers and one sister, as well as seven brothers- and sisters-in-law. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Margaret Unrau, and two siblings.
Ruth left school early and began working at a young age. A challenging childhood shaped her into a woman of remarkable determination and grit. Known for her strong work ethic, she was never one to leave a task unfinished—or arrive late.
On a cold winter evening in 1971, Ruth met her perfect match at a hockey game. Dave may have first noticed her favorite green parka—or perhaps her great legs—but it was likely her kindness and timeliness that sealed the deal. From the very start, Ruth was never the one running late. Instead, she would be tapping her foot by the door, ready and waiting, which suited Dave just fine. Ruth and Dave were married on a sunny Saturday in July 1973 and made their home near Rosenfeld. Because they were farmers themselves they chose to hold an evening ceremony so friends and family could finish their work before celebrating. This simple decision reflected who Ruth was—always putting others before herself.
Ruth worked alongside Dave on the farm, tending to their yard and garden, and together they raised their three children. When they weren’t busy on the farm, they enjoyed camping at Falcon Lake, socializing with friends and neighbors, and especially, curling.
When their time on the farm came to an end, Ruth and Dave moved to Reinfeld. Later, when Dave took on a human resources role at Kroeker’s Ruth joined him as his capable, though unofficial, assistant. She spent countless hours helping families with medical and dental appointments, translating, and offering practical and emotional support. Their work even took them to Mexico where they followed up with families providing care, counseling, and encouragement to those in transition. Through it all Ruth gave freely of her time, love, and compassion.
In retirement, Ruth and Dave enjoyed spending winters in Arizona where they developed strong friendships with others at Towerpoint Resort. Ruth’s shuffleboard skills were unmatched and she proudly brought home many trophies.
Ruth was known for speaking her mind. While her honesty could sometimes take others by surprise, you never had to wonder where you stood with her—or what decision she would make if she were in your shoes. Looking back, it’s the little moments of everyday life that best capture who Ruth was and how she cared for her family. She truly loved through food, always knowing everyone’s favorites and never hesitating to whip up buns, pies, butter tarts, or cinnamon buns.
Her life was marked by perseverance, service, and unwavering love for her family. Ruth will be deeply missed but her legacy of faithfulness, hard work, and care for others will live on in the many lives she touched.
The memorial service will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Winkler Mennonite Church. Interment will take place prior to the service at 12:30 p.m. at Westridge Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held at Wiebe Funeral Home Winkler on Sunday, September 14, from 1:00–7:00 p.m.
Donations in memory of Ruth may be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.