Erna Dueck

1951 - 2021

Erna Dueck, beloved wife of 50 years to Doug Dueck, age 69, passed away on May 5, 2021 in Lethbridge, Alberta.

As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19 and the government recommendations, a private burial service was held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Cemetery followed by a private funeral service at Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 2:00 P.M.

Erna is survived by her children, Jenn (Irv) Dick, Jo (Derrick) Laychuk, and Trav (Mel) Dueck, as well as her grandchildren: Kierra, Kaleb, Christian, Ethan, Rennie, Austin and Kailee. She is also survived by her siblings and siblings-in-law: Verner (Eleanore) Friesen, Erv (Dorothy) Friesen, Esther Friesen, Brenda (Tom) Metcalfe, Del (Betty) Dueck, and Bonnie (Arnie Bartel) Dueck. She was predeceased by her parents, Jake and Elsie Friesen, her step-father Henry Wall, and her two brothers, John and Melvin Friesen.

Erna was a loving wife and mother and a most loyal friend. She was born and raised in Vauxhall, Alberta, where she enjoyed a lively upbringing surrounded by her parents and her four brothers. Being the youngest of five children, her mother was exceedingly happy to finally ‘have her girl.’ Growing up on the family farm, Erna learned how to work hard and build meaningful bonds with both family and friends. In grade three, she met Linda Epp. The two formed a very close bond, remaining best friends for 61 years. Erna graduated from Vauxhall High School in 1969. Following this, she went to Bethany Bible Institute. There she met the love of her life, Doug Dueck. At just 19 years of age, they married in Vauxhall on November 7, 1970. Thus began 50 wonderful years together. Erna and Doug had three children, farming as a family in numerous locations, both in Southern and Northern Alberta.

In addition to her close friend Linda, Erna had many other close friends. Erna had a loyal and loving soul; those she ‘clicked’ with remained in her heart forever. Erna and Doug loved to socialize, play cards and share meals with their circle of lifelong friends. She also enjoyed board games with the family, not so much for the game playing as the socializing. She loved a good party! Adding goofy hats to the mix and decorating for a particular occasion also gave her great joy. She made it a point to celebrate each person’s victories.

Erna enjoyed her many years on the farm, sharing much of the field work with Doug. She especially loved taking care of the farmyard, cutting grass and planting both flower and vegetable gardens. She took great pride in how her yard looked, often taking the time to pick flowers from her beds for the kitchen table. Erna had an artist’s eye; her home was always clean, welcoming and carefully decorated. For many years, she taught art classes while her children were in elementary school; she was also a careful and beautiful seamstress, making many beautiful items for both her children and grandchildren. In addition, Erna viewed fashion as a form of art; she took great pride in what she wore. She especially loved eclectic glasses, blingy jewelry, interesting haircuts, getting her nails done, and wearing red lipstick.

Erna always taught us – her children – to do our best. She made a deep and lasting investment in each of us, our spouses, and each of her grandchildren. She modeled how to love selflessly. She was a pillar of strength and hope; she was a prayer warrior. If something sat heavily on her children’s hearts, they knew she was the person to call. She would pray and believe unceasingly. She always saw the best in people and situations, displaying what it meant to love unconditionally. Erna lived out her faith in her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in a real and meaningful way. She was the very best spouse, the most loving and supportive mother and grandmother, and the most loyal of friends. We loved her. We will always love her. She will remain in our hearts forever, a reminder of what it means to live and love selflessly.

Those who wish may donate to Streets Alive Street Mission, 323 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1Z9 www.streetsalive.ca.

The family would like to acknowledge the staff of the Jack Ady Cancer Centre for their love and care during Erna’s four year battle with cancer.