Obituary

Welma Thiessen, 86, died on Friday (Feb. 17, 2012) surrounded by her loving family at Newton Presbyterian Manor.

She was born on July 1, 1925, on a Harvey County farm near Moundridge to Henry and Lydia (Stucky) Goering. On May 6, 1949, she married David C. Thiessen at Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge, and they celebrated 62 years together. Welma was a member of Burns Mennonite Church. She was a retired as a cook at Tiny’s restaurant in Peabody and later a cook at the Memorial Home in Peabody. Welma was the older of twin sisters. Welma and Welda were very close to one another, often speaking in their own “twin language.” They were often found playing together under the trees surrounding the farmyard. Their close relationship continued throughout the years. Welma received her elementary education in rural one-room schools. She attended Eden Mennonite Church in rural Moundridge and was baptized upon the confession of her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior on June 11, 1941, and was received into membership of the church on that same day. Welma later transferred her membership to First Mennonite Church of Burns.

After her marriage to David, they were blessed with two sons. The family worked together on their farm southeast of Peabody. In 1964 the family tackled the task of building a new home on the farm, doing all of the finish work themselves. Welma’s greatest joy was her children, and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved to cook for her family and took pleasure in having her whole family around the table. Peppernuts and poppy seed rolls were her Christmas specialties, and the children and grandchildren anxiously awaited getting their very own supply. In December, Welma entered Wesley Hospital and received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Happily she and David were reunited in the same room at Presbyterian Manor.

She is survived by her husband, David; son, Lyle and his wife, Paula of Topeka; daughter-in-law, Mary Thiessen of Peabody; grandchildren, Melissa and her husband, Terry Johnson, Marcy and her husband, Jim Habegger, Nicole Thiessen, Matthew Thiessen and fiancee, Kelsey Smith, and Kristen Thiessen; great-grandchildren, Kaete Johnson and Jacob Habegger; brothers, Howard and Darlene Goering of Newton, Wilbert “Toby” and Irma Goering of Moundridge, and Vernon and Marna Goering of Moundridge; and sisters, Joy and Les Thiessen of Moundridge, and Lorita and Richard Regier of Burrton. She also is survived by several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Welma was preceded in death by her parents; son, Myron; brothers, Harley and Roland; and sisters, Erma, Florence, Ellen, twin sister, Welda, and Violet.

Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, with the family receiving friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Burns Mennonite Church in Burns, with Pastor Arlen Busenitz presiding. Burial will be in the Burns Mennonite Cemetery. Memorials may be left with ALS Foundation Keith Worthington Chapter or Good Shepherd Hospice, in care of Petersen Funeral Home.