Obituary of Elsie Augustina Thiesson
April 26, 1925 – February 11, 2019
It is with heavy hearts the family of Elsie Thiesson mournfully announce her passing at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital on February 11, 2019 at the age of 93 years.
Elsie Augustina Schweitzer was born in Golden Spike, AB to Jacob and Margareta (Dressler) Schweitzer on April 26, 1925; the 10th child of 12. She started school in Golden Spike and remained there until her Mother’s passing in 1940 when she was 15 years old. Her father had passed away when she was 5. In 1941, Elsie and her brothers sold the family farm and moved to a homestead in Goodfare, AB. When in Goodfare, Elsie met Peter Thiesson who worked at the nearby Goodfare Store. After a brief courtship with Elsie, Peter volunteered with the Canadian Armed service during WWII. Upon returning from war, Elsie and Peter resumed their courtship and got married on June 5, 1946. They purchased the Goodfare Store and lived there until 1968 before semi-retiring to Beaverlodge and then to Grande Prairie. After the passing of Peter, Elsie finally moved to the Gardens (one of the original tenants) where she spent her remaining years.
Elsie is pre-deceased by her husband Peter, her daughter Judy (Dale) Van Dresar, her 9 brothers John (Lydia), Jacob, Val (Ada), Fred (Ella), Eddie (Martha), Henery, Otto, Arnold (Edna), Walter (Helen), and 2 sisters Margaret, Minnie Adam (Philip). Elsie is survived by her children Janice (Jim) Willsey of St. Albert AB, and Gary (Barb) Thiesson of Lantzville BC along with grandchildren Brad Willsey, Kevin (Karen) Willsey, Kim (Roland) Guay, Sara Thiesson, Lisa (Matt) Munroe, Shaun (Kyla) Van Dresar, and Amanda Van Dresar and 17 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life for Elsie Augustina Thiesson will be held on February 15, 2019, at the Faith Lutheran Church 9610-108 Avenue, Grande Prairie, Alberta at 2pm, with a viewing at 1 pm prior to the service. The family ask that you stay after the service for a luncheon and time of fellowship.
Memorial donations in honor of Elsie can be made to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation (note in the memo section of cheques to go to 3 North) 10409 98 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2E8 or Faith Lutheran Church 9610-108 Avenue, Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 1N3.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com