Wanda Thiessen
9/29/1936 - 10/9/2017

Wanda Jean Thiessen passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 9, 2017. Wanda was born to William and Nettie Martens on September 29, 1936 in Lustre, Montana. About two years later the family moved to Dallas, Oregon where Wanda grew up and lived until her death. She attended Dallas schools and graduated from Dallas High in 1954. She was a member of the first graduating class in the current high school. She and her classmates helped with moving day using their personal vehicles. After graduation she went to work at Oregon Farm Bureau as a punch card operator.

Shortly before graduating from High School Wanda met the love of her life, Eldon Thiessen, who looked dashing in his Coast Guard uniform. They were married on July 20th, 1956 and raised three children together. Wanda worked as the bookkeeper for Dallas Automotive Service as well as Heating Efficiency Service, businesses which she and Eldon owned and operated together.

Wanda was an active member of the Dallas Mennonite Brethren Church for over 60 years. She invested much time and energy in her children, her family and her home. She was active in local church ministries and also volunteered with a number of Christian ministries including Village Missions (Dallas, OR), Wycliffe Bible Translators (Dallas, TX and Orlando, FL) and Haggai Institute (Hawaii).

Wanda loved quilting, board games, and reading her Bible. She was inventive and a very clever problem solver. She was always coming up with a better way of doing everyday tasks.

Wanda and Eldon were avid RV’ers. Among their favorite places to visit were the Oregon coast, Detroit Lake and the Oregon Cascades. The bakery in Sisters, Oregon was on speed dial so Mom could call ahead and reserve a couple of apple fritters for them to pick up later in the day.

Wanda is survived by her husband Eldon, son Phillip (Shelly) Thiessen, daughters Patricia (Steve) Trent, and Traci (Dan) Treanor, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren, along with sister, Ruby Rickson.

Join us in celebrating Wanda’s life at the Evangelical Bible Church on Saturday, October 21st at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Weekday School of the Bible in care of Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center who is caring for the family.

Gott ist die liebe