Wilfred Ernest Thies

Wilfred Ernest Thies, 98, passed away on April 25, 2023 after a brief stay in the hospital.

He was born to parents, Paul and Helen (Orth) Thies, on January 24, 1925 in Kamsack, Sk, the oldest of 8 children. Wilfred was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith.  He received his grade 10 education at Two Creek School, just south of Kamsack. Wilfred then took an Agriculture short course at the U of S in Saskatoon.  In 1944, Paul and Helen moved their family from the Two Creeks area to North of Churchbridge and in 1946 relocated the family to a farm near Bredenbury where Wilf would farm with his dad and brother.  Starting that fall he went to Northern Ontario to the bush camp and worked as a lumberjack for five winters.

In 1951, Wilfred met Doreen Nerbas, when his sister Eleanor married Doreen’s brother, Gordon.  Their romance didn’t really begin until they both attended a dance in MacNutt in 1952.  Wilfred thought they should get married in August of 53, so she could cook for harvest, however Doreen put her foot down and said no as she had to help her dad with harvest.   They were married in the Landestreu Church on Nov 12, 1953.  After the loss of their first son, Larry in 1954, they were blessed with 4 children, Russell; Jeffrey; Cheryl and Gaylene; 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Wilfred’s life revolved around farming with his dad and his brother, Cal by Bredenbury.  In 1967, Potash Corp bought the farm and they moved the house to Haberstock Farm, 10 miles North of Churchbridge.  Wilf continued to farm with his brother until 1996 when he and Doreen moved to Churchbridge.  His calm demeanor paid off well when farming with his little brother, they had a good relationship in their 50 years of farming together.   His farm involved grain, cattle, pigs, horses (which he’d use for farm chores) and chickens. He loved his little shop on the farm to see what he could fix or make as he never threw anything out.  He was interested in politics, LOVED the news and back in the day when his eyes were good, he enjoyed reading the Western Producer. Not one to shy away from new technology if it added to his quality of life, he learned to use a text to voice device that would read the newspapers to him when his eyesight failed.   Wilf was actively involved with different organizations within the community.  He was on the local Wheat Pool Board, Co-op Board, Farmer’s Union, the Division School Board, Churchbridge in Bloom, Churchbridge Campground and the Evergreen Centre. To dad, a stranger was just someone he hadn’t had a chance to talk to yet and he was always game for a good conversation on a variety of topics right up to his final days.   His faith was very important to him and had been involved in various church committees.  He missed being able to go to church these last few months and throughout COVID.  Wilf loved travelling, and camping, a camping trip with dad usually meant the weather was not ideal for farming and we’d pack up for a day or 2 until they retired and then it was for a longer stay.  Keeping up to date with all the grandkids’ activities and interests brought him joy.  Spending time and facetiming with the great grandchildren was a highlight of his day.    We can’t talk about Wilf’s life without mentioning his LOVE of dessert.  Thankfully, he married an amazing baker and there was always room for dessert and/or ice cream. 

Wilfred leaves to mourn his wife of 69 years, Doreen; sons Russ(Lorie), Nick(Kelsey) Cambrie and Aria, Sawyer and Luke; Jeff (Valerie McCracken), Mitchell and Daniel; daughters Cheryl DePape (Randy Redenbach) Lauren Gottselig (Jordan) Leo and George, Alyssa Wilk (Justin) James, and  Grayson; Gaylene Putland (Chip) Thomas (Nikkey Bradbury) Quinn, Austin (Maddie Gulka) and Hannah. Sisters, Eleanor Hinde (Al), Wilma Fritz (Ken), Rosanna Loughlin (Dennis); Brothers Donald (Marg), Raymond (Karen); Sister-in-Law Mildred Nerbas as well as many nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his son, Larry Thies; grandson, Joshua Thies; Son in Law, Kerry DePape; his parents, Paul and Helen Thies, brother, Calvin; sister-in-law, Charlotte Thies; sister, Lois Stasiuk; brother-in-law, Ed Stasiuk; brother-in-law, Gordon Nerbas and numerous Nerbas in-laws. 

Special mention to their wonderful neighbors, Wayne and Linda Rathgeber, Wes Richels and Kelly Palmer; whether it was to share a drink on the swing or clearing sidewalks and driveways, your thoughtfulness did not go unnoticed.