Obituary of Menno Siemens

Siemens – Menno, age 84 of Herbert, SK, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at the Regina General Hospital with his family at his side. Menno was born on July 29, 1930 at Main Centre SK on the Siemens’ Family homestead at SW 12-19-10 to Jacob and Anna Siemens. The family attended the Main Centre MB Church. Menno accepted Jesus as his Saviour in his youth, and upon the confession of his faith, was baptized in 1946 at the South Saskatchewan River. He attended Main Centre High School where he met his sweetheart, Lottie Schellenberg. They were married in 1952 in a double wedding ceremony with Frieda (Lottie’s sister) and Arnold Janz. Menno and Lottie had five children – Beverley, Marilynne, Gregory, Russell, and Valerie. As a couple, they farmed east of Main Centre for five years. In 1957 Menno went to Teachers’ College in Moose Jaw. He began his teaching career at Rockside School, then moved to Main Centre Public School where he taught for 12 years, eight of which he served as Principal. In 1970, Menno was appointed Principal of Herbert Elementary School, a position he held until his retirement in 1987. Menno was known for his sense of humour, particularly at special school events. Menno also served on the Herbert Town Council, Herbert Credit Union Board, Herbert Hospital Board, and he was an inaugural member of the Herbert Ferry Regional Park Board. After retirement, Menno continued farming the Siemens’ family homestead. He enjoyed farming and he had a genuine love for the land. He especially enjoyed driving to the farm and attending farm auction sales. In the winter months Menno and Lottie enjoyed living amongst family members in Abbotsford, BC. His greatest joy was his family, and together, they especially enjoyed attending the activities of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. A significant event occurred in 1999 when they lost their youngest daughter Valerie and their daughter in-law Crystal to cancer. Life changed forever for the family, but with a strong faith and trust in God’s love and sovereignty, the family’s bond grew even stronger. He leaves behind his loving wife, Lottie of 62 years; daughters Beverley (Harvey) Schulz, Marilynne (Herb) Mathies, sons Gregory (Sheryl) Siemens, Russell (Jacqueline) Siemens and son in-law Allan Jahnke, 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Valerie (Siemens) Jahnke, and daughter in-law Crystal (Hermanson) Siemens, his parents Jacob and Anna Siemens, his parents in-law Ben and Mary Schellenberg, his sister Rosella Redekop, his sister in-law Frieda Janz, his brothers in-law Beno Schellenberg and Ed Buller, and nephews Ron Martens and Murray Schellenberg. Menno will be deeply missed. The Funeral service was held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Bridgeway Community Church with Pastor Bob Cappelle officiating. The pianist was Karen Grand and special music was by son Russ Siemens and granddaughters Rachelle Patzer and Kim Fast. The ushers were Gary Martens, Reg Schellenberg, Rod Siemens and Ellery Janz. A tribute was given on behalf of the children by Menno’s sons in-law and on behalf of the grandchildren Jennifer Priebe. The pallbearers were grandsons: Curtis Schulz, Ryan Mathies, Kyle Mathies, Matt Jahnke, Mark Siemens, Colten Siemens and Marshall Siemens. Donations may be made to West Bank Bible Camp in memory of Menno Siemens. For further information or to sign the family book of condolences, visit www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home – Ryan Cappelle.