John Dueck

John G. Dueck

1926 - 2019

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Obituary of John G. Dueck

John Dueck was born on January 25, 1926, in the Kronsgart district south of Plum Coulee to Jacob P. and Anganetha Dueck, the eighth of 12 children. Ten grew up to become adults, six girls and four boys. When John was one year old the family moved to the district of Rose farm, north of Horndean. John died October 3, 2019, at Pembina Place Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home, where he had been a resident for five years. His memory loss happened gradually over a period of ten years. He appreciated life at Pembina Place, it was his home. In his growing up years John developed the skills of farming. When he was 27 years old John took advantage of an opportunity to complete Gr. 10 and 11 in a one room high school in his community. John also graduated from a two-year certificate course at Steinbach Bible institute. John’s own farming career began in 1950 with his first land purchase near Lowe Farm together with his two older brothers Jake and Peter, and brother in law Jake Gerbrandt. In his later years John was a trailblazer in the practice of low tillage farming, which meant that he only worked the soil for seeding. While John enjoyed farming, he had time on his hands, and a willing heart and mind to help and serve others. In the summer of 1951, he went to Matheson Island, MB for two weeks to help build a house for Jake and Trudy Unrau, mission workers there. That willingness to serve carried on for 33 of the next 54 years. The places John served stretched from Northern Manitoba to Akron, PA. This included CMBC here in Winnipeg, Ailsa Craig Boys Farm, and Warden Woods Church and Community Centre in Ontario. John’s spiritual nurture began in the home under the care of devout Christian parents. He was baptized at the age of 18. That year he also stood before a judge and declared himself to be a conscience objector. One of the strong influences that set a new course for his life were the writings of Frank Epp who was the editor of the Canadian Mennonite. John became a committed advocate for the promotion of peace and justice. In due course he became a visitor in the Open Circle program visiting men in prison. Then he joined the Circles of Support and Accountability, meeting with high risk offenders after they were released from prison. He was a strong supporter of Project Peacemakers, Canadian School of Peacebuilding, Christian Peacemaker Teams, MEDA, MCC, and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank As a single person John was happy when an adult single’s fellowship group was organized in the mid ‘60s. This group met regularly for retreats, fellowship and recreational meetings. John was on the planning committee for many years. He took an active part in a Bethel Mennonite Church K-group, was part of a golfing group, bowling league and a breakfast huddle. John is survived by sister Agatha, brother Henry (Marie), numerous nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, and two infant siblings; adult siblings and spouses: Peter (Helena), Mary (Jake), Tina (David), Nettie (Jake), Jake (Agnes), (Elmer), Margaret, Lena; two nephews, one in-law niece, three in-law nephews, and one grand niece. As John’s siblings we express words of thanks to the dedicated staff at Pembina Place care home. At the end of his life Francis of Assisi is to have said: “I have done what is mine to do; may Christ teach you what is yours” Rest in peace, John! If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Pembina Place Resident Room Furniture Project, or the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. A funeral service for John will be held on Friday, October 11, 2019, at 10:30 a.m., at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford St, Winnipeg, MB.

Funeral Service

Friday, October 11, 2019 10:30 AM Bethel Mennonite Church 465 Stafford Street Winnipeg, MB R3M 2E2