Obituary of Elsie Dueck

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Elsie Elizabeth Miller Dueck, was born on March 22, 1930 at Rosenort, Manitoba. She peacefully passed away on August 27, 2023 at the Morris Hospital. Mom spent her life in the Rosenort community, growing up and working together with her 11 siblings on the family farm. She attended the Greenbank School north of Rosenort. She gave her heart to the Lord, and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on December 16, 1945, by Minister George F. Goossen. Mom was diligent in her Christian life and we often saw her reading her Bible in the living room; one of her favorite scriptures being Isaiah 40. She had a real understanding for those that were in need. Mom was a good listener. She was the one we would go to when life seemed tough or the struggle too bad. She married me, Johnny Dueck, on October 21, 1950. The Lord blessed us with almost 73 years! God gave them a family of five daughters and one son, which completed their home. Mom was dad's constant companion and support. She put her heart into their mission endeavors, which lead them to India, Africa, and numerous places of service all across the US and Canada. One of the saddest times in Mom and Dad's life was the death of their oldest son-in-law at a young age. They lovingly gave of their time and helped to fill this empty spot. One of the granddaughters back then said she wished gramma could move in with them. Mom won a special place in the hearts of her children and grandchildren by her down-to-earth charisma. She took an interest in each one individually. She set a good example to all of us in hospitality and her generous ways. Her Sunday table was beautiful to behold! When we children were younger Mom was determined to teach us to sing! We sat on the couch together with her voice next to our ear, and by the end of the lesson we could sing alto! Songs like 'By a Crowd of Worshipers' and 'Little Ones Like Me were a few of her choices. (Not all of us passed the course). In her younger years, often mom would generously babysit someone else's children for a day or longer if needed. Not surprisingly, we now hear so many friends confidently refer to her as 'Grandma Elsie.' Mom faced numerous health issues in her life and yet God gave her strength to go on. She was an avid gardener and even this spring Mom was able to plant a few flowers and tomatoes in spite of not feeling well. We were all so blessed and privileged to enjoy an awesome family reunion planned by the granddaughters, at Camp Manitou. Mom was able to be there with us. We shared many memories and sang family favorites. One week later Mom was admitted to the hospital, which actually was the very hospital where all six of her children had been born in earlier years. Left to mourn is her husband Johnny, their children: Janice Froese, Roblin, MB, Valerie and Gary Goossen, Armstrong, BC, Sherril and Jim Unruh, Moundridge, KS, Mike and Corinne, Rosenort, MB, Bonnie and Ken Yost, Detroit, TX, Monica and Dennis Penner, Elma, MB; 22 grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Walter and Phyllis Miller, Otto and Rochelle Miller; 3 sisters, Paulina Bartel, Adella Thiessen and Norma Isaac; sisters-in-law Deloris Miller and Libby Miller. Also mourning the loss is Dad's family; Eleanor Zacharias, Helen Loewen, Gladys Thiessen, Lorraine and Lorne Loewen, and brother Stan and Val Dueck. Preceding her in death are her parents, 3 brothers, 3 sisters, 1 son-in-law, 2 grandsons and 4 great grandchildren.