Obituary of Helen Kornelsen

Helen Wieler Kornelsen, 86, of Steinbach, Manitoba, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Silver Lining Cottage in Steinbach, MB.

Helen is survived by her seven children, Tina (Sheldon Friesen), John (Pat) Kornelsen, Sue (Jim Davies), Shirley Kornelsen (Henry Dube), Victor (Jayne) Kornelsen, Ann Marie (Russ Kehler), Mike (Liz) Kornelsen.

She was predeceased by her husband Albert in 2006, both parents, three sisters, one brother and three brothers-in-law. Helen is survived by her sisters Mary Wright and Ann Toombs, and brothers Cornie (Diane) Wieler, John (Mary) Wieler, Frank Wieler, Peter Wieler and Dave Wieler. She will also be missed by 35 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Helen was the second of twelve children born to Cornelius and Katherina Wieler in Cuauchtemoc, Mexico on July 25, 1936. She began working away from home and caring for other families at the age of eleven. At the age of sixteen her family moved to Canada and she learned English working as a caregiver in Winnipeg before taking a job at the Heinrich Reimer Store in Steinbach.

Albert and Helen were married on July 6, 1958. It was a great joy to our mother to care for her home and family. She loved to tend her two large gardens and raise chickens for butchering in the fall. Her door was always open and we could count on company for Sunday lunch or faspa. At the age of fifty-eight she took a government job re-entry course and began to work in home care until she was seventy. It was a job she thoroughly enjoyed. She never turned down a shift and worked many nights.

Helen’s life was centred around caring for others and she faithfully interceded for her large family in prayer. We will always remember her vast knowledge of Scripture and the many times she encouraged us with “the Word.”

A Celebration of Life for Helen Kornelsen will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with viewing prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Blumenort Community Church Cemetery, Blumenort, MB.

The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to the compassionate staff at Silver Lining Cottages who went above and beyond to care for our mom and assure the comfort of the family. We also wish to thank Pastor Jeff Romas of Springs Church for faithfully visiting Helen and brightening her days.