Erna was the oldest living child of Cornelius and Katharine Friesen. She was predeceased by her parents, five brothers and three sisters and is survived by her youngest sister Virginia (Jim) in Ventura, California. Erna was baptised upon confession of her faith and became a member of the EMC Church and in 1935 was married there to John P. Thiessen, the love of her life. They celebrated more than 50 years together before he passed away in 1986. She was also predeceased by her son Roger in 1980. She is survived by her daughter Kathie and son-in-law Glen Kehler; grandchildren Pam, Blair, Karen (Mark), Lori (Glen), Stuart (Jodie), and Maxine; great-grandchildren Sean (Renae), Tyson (Amanda), Chris, Brandy, Jordon (Rachel), Sarah, Laura, Shayne (Sandra), Deanna, Richelle, Dylan, Katrina, Nathan, Michael, Austin and Zachari; great-great grandchildren Kara, Breadan, Kaynan, Aadan, Nolan, Iris, Justin and Brett. Erna loved the outdoors throughout her life, something she shared with her husband and many generations of family. She enjoyed nothing more than a day on the water fishing and enjoying the scenery in good company. She was a very smart woman, an avid reader with an eclectic library who could speak informedly on a number of topics and was able to live independently her whole life. Her quick wit was with her even in the hospital and along with her amazing hugs, will be greatly missed. Erna had a successful career outside of the home for 25 years with Sears, managing the Steinbach outlet. Her abilities were recognized and she was enlisted to travel to other towns to train staff and set up outlet stores. She enjoyed travelling and drove the width and breadth of North America with husband John, Kathie and Glen. Later in life she enjoyed two memorable coastal trips with her brother “Big John” Friesen. We know that she was happy to be rejoining her husband and family in heaven and are glad she is at peace, but we will miss her here on earth. She passed away quietly at 4:30 a.m. on April 2, 2010 in the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach. The Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach with interment at Memorial Cemetery.