Dyck –
Gisela Dyck (von Chorus) wife to John Dyck, passed away peacefully on July 9th, 2024, in her home with her family singing hymns by her side. Gisela was born June 11th, 1935, in Schkopau, Germany where she was the first child of five born to Roland and Annemarie von Chorus. The family immigrated to Canada in 1952, first to settle in the Lethbridge area. After experiencing interruption to schooling due to the war in Germany, Gisela became proficient in English, completing high school and continuing her education to graduate from the Galt School of Nursing as an RN in 1958. Work as an RN took her to hospitals in Regina, Vancouver and finally to Lethbridge in 1961 to also care for her dying mother. In 1962 she married John Dyck, a dairy farmer from Lethbridge. Three children were born to Gisela and John in Lethbridge, Annemarie, John and Monica, before moving to Brooks in 1967. They purchased a farm north of Brooks and together with John’s parents established a family farming business which continues with their sons. Their fourth child, Thomas, was born in Brooks. Gisela was a member of the Rosemary Mennonite Church, where she taught Sunday School and helped build a church library. With a curious mind and an interest in history, Gisela created her own library and was willing to share those books and ideas with others in conversation. In addition to supporting her husband and raising her children with faith-in-God and family values, Gisela tended to large vegetable and flower gardens. Classical music and opera brought listening joy to Gisela and together with John, was a season ticket holder to Calgary Opera. Gisela continued learning about history and culture through many travel adventures around the world with John, including Europe, southeast Asia and South America. Throughout her life as a committed homemaker, wife and mother, Gisela opened her home to family and friends and practiced serving others, especially her children and grandchildren. She was known to welcome, prepare, cook and clean for large family gatherings, creating a family-farm culture of hospitality and love. Gisela spoke of Beauty as the inspiration of a life lived well and in harmony with God as Creator and Savior. Despite a disease diagnosis given 26 years ago and the ensuing physical sufferings, Gisela found joy through a surrendered life to the God of Faith and Steadfast Love. Gisela is predeceased by her parents: Roland and Annemarie von Chorus, and brothers: Hans, Klaus and Dieter; and daughter-in-law Charlotte Dyck. Gisela is survived by her husband, John; sister Helga (Rob) Archer; Children and Grandchildren: Annemarie (Helm) Barwich – Kristin (Mark) Schofield; Kira (Jason) Koepke; Kalisse (Brendan) Dueck; and Braden (Nicole) Barwich. John Dyck – Amilyn (Jayden) Harvie and Kathryn Dyck. Monica (Stan) Hielema – Charissa (Andrew) Pauls; James (Emma) Hielema; Annelise Hielema and Jillian Hielema. Thomas (Pam) Dyck – Alexandria Dyck; Caitlin Dyck and Ryan (Cassie) Dyck. Great Grandchildren: Henry, Olivia and Maria Harvie; Benjamin and Louisa Schofield; Elliana and Ryah Koepke; and Isadora Barwich. The family thanks Dr. Owolabi, Doreen Daniels and Dr. van der Linde for the excellent medical care given to Gisela over the years. Funeral services were held on Monday, July 15th at 1:00 PM from the Rosemary, Mennonite Church. Rev. Josh Mueller officiating. Interment followed at Rosemary Cemetery. In the loving memory of Gisela, donations may be made directly to Mennonite Central Committee. www.mcc.org
