Susie Schellenberg

Susie Schellenberg was born to Frank and Nellie (Cornelia) Nickel in Main Centre, Saskatchewan on February 29, 1924.  In 1926 the family moved to the Beechy, Saskatchewan area.  All Sue’s schooling years were in the Beechy school.  Half way through grade 11, Sue quit school to join her Mom full time in the laundry business. 

In July of 1943 at the age of 18, Sue committed her life to Jesus.  This, to her, was the most important decision she had ever made in her life!  Jesus was her all – Savior, Friend, Guide, Counselor and Healer.  Although times were very hard, her Dad found a way to pay her way to Herbert Bible School for 2 years.  It was here that Sue realized the need for baptism and was baptized in the South Saskatchewan River upon the confession of her faith in July 1944 and joined the Beechy MB Church. 

Herbert Bible School is also where Sue met Jake Schellenberg!  A little spark ignited!  They were married on August 19, 1945 and this union was blessed for over 63 years!  Their first winter as a married couple was spent in Regina at Canadian Bible Institute followed by a move to Cabri, Saskatchewan to try their hand at farming!  In 1947 – because ‘no crops – no money’ –they went to work in the Beechy hospital.  Sue was the cook and did laundry and Jake was the janitor until the hospital closed.  In 1948 an ad in the paper caught their eye and they found themselves travelling to Ontario for six weeks to work in a cannery!  They thought this was great - - -  a free trip to Ontario, working 6 weeks and visiting Niagara area!!  When they returned to Beechy they purchased a small farm east of town. 

From 1949 to 1956-- farming, four babies, moving back to town, renting out their land, Jake’s new job and his cancer surgery and recovery consumed Sue’s life!  Through this all her motto was “Whatever your will is Lord, not mine” and she gave everything completely to the Lord.  In October 1967, Sue and Jake made their move to Kyle, Saskatchewan and resided there until 1985 when they moved to Swift Current where Sue lived until her peaceful passing with family by her side on December 16, 2018. 

Sue had a soft heart for women and children’s ministry and was active in teaching Sunday School, Bibles Clubs and Child Evangelism for over 40 years.  She was involved with Friendship Bible Coffee in Kyle and Swift Current for many years.  Sue and Jake were also members of the Gideons for over 30 years and were able to attend many Gideon conventions all across Canada! Up until the age of 94, Sue made over 5,000 hand puppets!  They are now all over the world – Romania, Philippines, Canada, USA, also many placed by Samaritans Purse, and of course grandkids and friends!

Sue was predeceased by her husband Jake, her parents, 6 siblings, and 9 extended family members.  Sue will be lovingly remembered by  her family – Gloria (Wes) Berg, their children Trevor and Sheryl (Kelly) and grandchildren Danielle, Owen and Joel;  Nancy Peters, her children Curtis (Sharon) and Cindy (Pat) and her grandchildren Jacob and Chloe; Angela (Alvin) Plett, their children Jennifer (Steven), Kelly (James), Kim, Debbie (Dylan) their grandchildren Carathy, Caleb, Arinn, Katelyn, Jordan, Jackson, Allison, Elias, Natalie and Carter; Wayne (Josie) Schellenberg, their children Janelle (Clay), Rachel (Curtis), Derek (Cassidy Sautner), Leanne (Dan), their grandchildren  Kameron, Rayden, Katrielle, Paxlyn,  Kale, Deegan, Sierra, Liam, Jerimiah, Donavon.  She will also be remembered by sister-in-law, June Nickel and many other relatives and friends.

The funeral service was held at East Side Church of God on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Steven Driediger officiating and Pastor Clay Ahearn co-officiating. “To God Be The Glory” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” were sung by the congregation and were led by the John Schellenberg family and with Nancy Peters serving as pianist. Special music was contributed by Jim Pratt as he performed “It Is Well With My Soul” as a saxophone solo. Tributes were given by Sharon Peters, James Klassen, Carathy Driediger, and Carley Klaassen. The ushers in the church were Kirk and Marg Swan. The Private Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service with Pastor Clay Ahearn officiating at Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Dan Cowell, Pat Denis, James Klassen, Curtis Kornelson, Dylan Paetkau, and Sharon Peters serving as Pallbearers. In memory of Susie Schellenberg, donations to the Samaritan’s Purse or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

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