Obituary of Edwin P. Dueck

Our great, merciful God called Edwin P. Dueck home on February 27, 2018.  He is deeply missed by his beloved wife Elsie, three daughters Brenda & Greg Reimer of Kleefeld, MB, Laurie & Lin Reimer of Meade, KS, Karen & Ted Keffer of Cedar Rapids, IA, eight grandchildren, Kassandra, Katherine, Joel, Hannah, Jillian, Meagan, Elyssa, Theodore.  He is also survived by four sisters, Elma, Helen (Jac Friesen), Mary (Abe Martens), Norma (John Derksen) and three brothers Leonard (Mary), Wilbert (Lena), Alfred (Marj).

Dad was born August 5, 1932 to Jacob K and Elizabeth Dueck.  He grew up in the Rosenhof area.  There was plenty to do on the farm and if there wasn’t quite enough work at home then an uncle would for sure need some help. 

When dad was approximately 16 or 17 he gave his heart and life to the Lord at a special service held by Ben D. Reimer.  Later he was baptized upon the confession of his faith and for the rest of his life took that faith seriously and lived it out.

Dad married mom, Elsie Loewen, on October 6, 1957 and for over 60 years they have worked together to build first a farm then a business.  The business eventually became the priority and they spent years building and running it.  Dad finally retired at the age of about 80 and sold the business to his nephew.  He was pleased that a Dueck would carry on the business.

In 1977 he went on his first Mission tour to Haiti and served on the board of Mission Possible for several years.  In all he went to Haiti seven times as a tour guide for the Mission.  For many years dad served on the board at Union Gospel Mission which he enjoyed very much. 

Dad especially enjoyed beautifying the yard and he and mom spent countless hours mowing lawns, tilling soil, planting and watering flowers.  He was thrilled when the Purple Martins would return in spring.

Family was of the utmost importance to dad and he looked forward to children coming home or going to visit them.  The monthly Sibling gatherings were highlights for him. 

Mom and dad travelled to Meade and Cedar Rapids twice a year. They hoped to do more travelling in the future but health concerns began to get in the way. 

In August of 2016 dad had his first cancer surgery which was a complete success and recovery went well. Then in October of 2017 there were several trips to emergency which finally resulted with major surgery and the diagnosis of cancer.  Although he was home for a wonderful week at Christmas, he entered Boundary Trails Health Centre on December 29, 2017 and died there peacefully on February 27, 2018 with his beloved Elsie, daughter Brenda and Elsie’s sisters Mandy and Naomi at his side.

We are beyond grateful to our gracious God for granting us many years with dad and then for calling him home before there was prolonged suffering and pain.  We thank the caring, compassionate Doctors Zhang, Woelk and Abijazia and the nurses and staff who took such good care of our dad! 

The funeral service will be held Sunday, March 4, 2018 at 2:30pm at the Rosenort E.M.C.  Burial will take place at the Rosenort E.M.C. Cemetery.  Viewing will be held at the church prior to the funeral service.

Donations may be made to the Union Gospel Mission and/or the Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation.