Benjamin “Ben” Dueck was born on June 19, 1938, at the family farm North of Main Centre, SK, to Franz S. & Katherina Dueck. He attended Lobethal School until grade 8, and started grade 9 by correspondence. Ben also received his Inter-Provincial Heavy Duty Mechanics ticket as well as taking a few years of welding. He attended Steinbach Bible School for two years as well. Growing up on the farm instilled a good work ethic in Ben. He said there wasn't any time for playing. He was always weeding the garden, gathering eggs, or working with the cows and horses. The hard work didn't end there, as he walked across Saskatchewan checking pipelines. After this, Ben worked at the horse plant, Cindercrete Block Mfg., and finally for over 43 years, at Delta Rock and Sand. Ben married Elizabeth Friesen on June 19, 1960. Two years later, she went to be with the Lord, but not before blessing Ben with a son, Barry. Ben remarried eight years later, on January 2, 1970, to Cheryl Anderson. Thirteen years later they had a son, Aaron. Ben went on to his heavenly home on July 7, 2008, after a quick bout with cancer. Ben leaves behind his wife, Cheryl, of 38 years; his sons, Barry & Bonnie Dueck, grandchildren Seth and Kaitlyn, of Swift Current: and Aaron & Kimberley Dueck, grandson, Ty Benjamin, of Rush Lake; his sisters, Mary (John) Hildebrandt of Blumenhof, Gertrude (Abe) Penner of Swift Current, Susie (Paul) Dyck of Herbert, and Elizabeth (Ben) Driedger of Rosenhof; three sisters-in-law, Tina Dueck of Saskatoon, Helen Dueck of Herbert, and Sarah Dueck of Swift Current; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Franz S. & Katherina Dueck; his first wife, Elizabeth; his sisters, Sarah in infancy and Anna Funk; and his brothers, Richard, John, and Frank. Ben was a man of few words, but what he did say was heartfelt. He took great pride in serving his church, doing any job to the best of his ability, and providing for his family. He enjoyed reading, ushering, fixing things, and even if he didn't admit it, he loved being at the farm. Ben was a great man and will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched. “I think Heaven is getting full…God needed another usher”
The Funeral Service was held on Sunday, July 13, 2008 at 2:00 pm from the Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor David Pollard officiating. The pianist for the service was Verna Martens. “The Love of God”, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “Because He Lives” were sung by the congregation under the direction of John Regier. The obituary was read by Aaron Dueck with a tribute shared by Bonnie Dueck. A PowerPoint tribute of Ben’s life was also shared. Special music was brought by John Regier singing, “My Home, Sweet Home” and a violin solo by Barry Dueck, “It Is Well With My Soul”. The ushers in the church were Dave Fehr, John Rempel, Don Gerlach, Vic Rempel and Frank Rempel. The Interment was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Abe Funk, Frank Funk, Willy Funk, Garth Dueck, Ken Dueck and Menno Driedger. In memory of Ben, donations made to the Gideons International would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. |
