Carl David Thieszen
1929 - 2020
Carl David Thieszen was born July 21,
1929 on the family farm in rural Henderson, Nebraska. He was the
second of six children of Daniel and Marie J. (Epp) Thieszen. He died
December 2, 2020 at Presbyterian Manor (Newton, KS) with his loving
wife, Louise and daughter, Sharon at his side.
Carl's family farmed and engaged in the
land leveling business in Nebraska. Their family was the first of
three families to begin irrigation in the Henderson community. His
early school experience was in rural School District 73 East. After
attending a one-room school for eight years, Carl attended bible
school for a year before attending Henderson High School. During his
high school years, Carl participated in basketball, softball, track,
student council, including president, glee club, boys' octet,
dramatics, and helped lead other student organizations. He graduated
in 1948. After high school he worked on the family farm and helped
with the land leveling business.
Carl attended Freeman Junior College
for one year before serving in the alternative Selective Service 1W
Program for 27 months at the Wiltwyck School for Boys in Esopus, NY.
At this agency he worked with delinquent boys between the ages of
eight and twelve. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) had a long
history with this agency which did not use physical force to
discipline. After his service, Carl attended Bethel College,
graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies in 1957. Carl
was active in student leadership and council. He also volunteered
drilling water wells in Mexico.
Following graduation, he taught
elementary and secondary students in Walton, KS. While teaching at
Walton, Carl met Louise Dick of Ruthven, Ontario while she was
completing her BS degree in social science at Bethel College. Carl
and Louise were married on August 11, 1962 at the North Leamington
United Mennonite Church, Leamington, Ontario, Canada. Their first
home together was in Ransom, KS. Carl attended Fort Hays State
University and completed his Master's Degree in Education and
certificate in school administration. During 17 years in western
Kansas, Carl served the schools in Brownell, Arnold and Ransom as
teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. Carl was an active
member in the First Mennonite Church of Ransom, local Lions Club and
Chess and Pinochle groups. He enjoyed the outdoors, taking his family
on hiking trips to the scenic Castle Rock in the Badlands of western
Kansas.
In 1976 Carl and his family moved to
Little River, KS where Carl was superintendent of USD 444 for 15
years. In addition to leading the school district, Carl was active in
the local Lions club, volunteered with Mennonite Disaster Service and
MCC annual relief sale. He was active with his children's 4-H,
science fair projects, sporting, and extracurricular events. During
his time in Little River, Carl was an active member of the First
Mennonite Church in McPherson. In his spare time, Carl enjoyed
woodworking, landscaping, and beekeeping.
In 1991, Carl and Louise retired and
moved to North Newton, KS where they built their current home on
Bluestem Court. After a year in retirement, Carl accepted the call to
serve as the principal and superintendent for the schools in Goessel,
KS for two years. Carl's career as an educator and facilitator of
learning encompassed many changes, including school unification, full
inclusion of women (Title IX), and children with disabilities (EHA;
IDEA).
During retirement, Carl gave generously
of his time and talents with organizations such as Bethel College
Mennonite Church, Tenth Man (now called JoinHands church building
program), MCC House Against Hunger, Victim-Offender Reconciliation
Program, M2 Prison Visitation, and local homeless shelter. Carl's
passion for education led him to serve as a docent at Kauffman Museum
and as a tour director for Prudent Tours. Carl enjoyed biking and
spending time with immediate and extended family. Beginning in 2002
at age 73, he completed his first Biking Across Kansas ride; he
continued to participate until age 83.
Carl exemplified servant leadership.
Throughout his life, Carl shared his belief of redemption, mercy and
grace through his actions and deeds. While ordered and intentional,
Carl addressed disciplinary issues with dialogue, teaching and
kindness. He also never stopped seeking new knowledge and greater
understanding, reading, studying, listening and growing throughout
his life.
Carl's faith was important to him which
he shared with his family through daily devotions and weekly church
and Sunday School. He would often recite Psalm 118:24: "This is
the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
He enjoyed hymnal music and singing, often breaking out in song. A
few of his favorites were Shall We Gather at the River, Amazing
Grace, and Praise God, from whom all blessings flow (Hymn 606).
Carl is survived by his wife Louise
(Dick) Thieszen of North Newton, KS; son Robert Thieszen (JoAn
Waltner) of Newton, KS and granddaughter Maura of Overland Park, KS;
daughter Carol Thieszen-Culp and grandsons Jordan and Carter Culp of
Sheboygan, WI; and daughter Sharon Thieszen of Sheboygan, WI. He is
also survived by his siblings Harold (Esther) Thieszen, Rosella
(John) Schwartz, Edna Galle, Marvin Thieszen, and sister-in-law Erna
Thieszen.
He is preceded in death by his infant
son Roger Thieszen, his parents, brother Aldon Thieszen,
brother-in-law Karma Galle, and sister-in-law Shirley Thieszen.
The family would like to give a special
thank you to the staff of Presbyterian Manor and Heart and Soul
Hospice for their loving and compassionate care given to Carl, a
beloved husband, father and grandfather.
Carl will be interred at Bethel College
Mennonite Church. A private memorial service will be held. Plans to
celebrate Carl's life will be announced at a later date.
Memorials in Carl's name may be made to
Mennonite Central Committee or Bethel College in care of Petersen
Funeral Home, 215 N. Main, Newton, KS 67114 or
https://petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com
As a way of continuing Carl's legacy of
care, leadership and volunteerism, we encourage everyone to find ways
to continue to be more compassionate, love one another and embrace
the challenge to be servant leaders in our communities.
