Allen Wohlgemuth

Published in the Messenger of Truth Issue 21, 2011:

Alen Wohlgemuth was born to John W. and Helena Hiebert Wohlgemuth on May 5, 1936, in southern Manitoba. With loved ones by his bedside, he peacefully departed from this life on September 18, 2011, at the Ridgevalley Home, Crooked Creek, Alberta. He reached the age of seventy-five years. He fought a courageous battle with Parkinson's, and although his passing leaves our hearts aching, we are thankful his suffering is over, and he is now enjoying perfect health.

Alen had a happy, carefree childhood, growing up in a large family of twelve brothers and sisters. Shortly after his birth, he, with his family, moved to the Kenora, Ontario, area where his dad found work in the lumber industry. Around the age of fifteen, his family moved to the mission at Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, of which he had many fond memories. When he was a young adult, they moved to Crooked Creek, Alberta, where Alen made his home for the rest of his life. Alen responded to the call of God in his young teen years and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. He loved the Church and remained faithful throughout his lifetime. He married me, Ella Thiessen, on November 30, 1958, at Crooked Creek, Alberta. Together we shared joys and sorrows of life for nearly fifty-three years. It was special to reach our Golden Anniversary milestone a few years ago.

Our home was blessed with two children, a daughter and a son. We encountered times of grief, especially when our daughter, Anita, tragically passed away at the age of nineteen. We opened our home to various ones with needs, who became special to us. We farmed together for quite a few years and enjoyed going for drives together, checking the crops and watching the seasons change. Alen loved to relax and spend time enjoying nature. He spent time working at sawmills, filling the position of millwright. This is where his interest was sparked as he learned a lot about the work of an electrician. He enjoyed figuring things out and was a man of diverse interests. He willingly tackled any job, giving meticulous attention to detail. His electrical work brought him into contact with many people who became close friends. Alen enjoyed sharing coffee and meaningful conversations with his customers.

Our lives were enriched by our time spent in Nigeria and in a West Virginia young men's CPS unit. Alen loved children, and many people called him "Uncle Alen." Even in the last weeks, his eyes lit up when a child came into his room. His nieces and nephews appreciate the keen interest he showed in them.

Those left to share precious memories are his wife, Ella; one son, Walter; and four grandchildren, Nanaimo, British Columbia; four brothers and six sisters: David and Matilda Wohlgemuth, Maryana Thiessen, William and Matilda Wohlgemuth, all of Crooked Creek, Alberta; Stella and Howard Long, Campbell River, British Columbia; Alfred and Grace Wohlgemuth, Steinbach, Manitoba; Tena and Dennis Toews, Crooked Creek, Alberta; Lena and Melvin Thiessen, Herbert and Verna Wohlgemuth, Lillian Thiessen, all of Crooked Creek, Alberta; Elaine and Darwin Kirk, Charlie Lake, British Columbia; Linda Wohlgemuth, Crooked Creek, Alberta; three brothers-in-law: Denver Reimer, Linden, Alberta; Wilbert and Rebecca Thiessen, Neilburg, Saskatchewan; and Merle Thiessen, Grande Prairie, Alberta; three sisters-in-law: Olive and Wayne Klassen, Crooked Creek, Alberta; Viola Thiessen, Heart Valley, Alberta; and Marion and Keith Isaac, Bow Island, Alberta. His parents, parents-in-law, his daughter, two brothers, three brothers-in-law, and three sisters-in-law preceded him in death. Funeral services were held at the Rosedale Congregation, Crooked Creek, Alberta, on September 22, 2011, with Min. Lee Wohlgemuth and Min. Trev Penner officiating. Interment was in the Rosedale Cemetery with Min. Dennis Toews in charge.