Agnes Dueck (Friesen) was born December 2, 1915 in Gouldtown, Sask. Agnes was the eight of 13 children born to Henry and Katharina Friesen. Agnes's life was not easy growing up with a very busy and poor household.
During the course of a typhoid epidemic in the area, she lost her father and three brothers.
Agnes's first marriage was to Dietrich Penner who was hospitalized on their wedding day and passed away 17 days later.
In 1938 Agnes went north to Tisdale, Sask. to visit her brother John. Unknown to her, her sister in law (matchmaker) introduced her to Frank Dueck. During their courtship the postal service just could not deliver the love letters quickly enough. Frank soon moved to Gouldtown where they continued their relationship. Agnes and Frank were married on Dec. 3, 1939. Agnes and her new husband began building a family as they tried to make a living at farming. The first four children were born in Gouldtown and Herbert. Then in 1948 they packed up Martha, Henrietta, Victor and Wilf and once again moved north to the township of Orley. Farming was still a hard way to make a living but the family worked hard and continued to make ends meat. While living in Orley two more children were born to the Duecks. Raymond was a toddler and Kathie was a newborn.
In 1956 the family of eight headed west. Burns Lake would be their home for the rest of their lives. Agnes worked very hard during her earlier years. She had a contract with the school district to clean the McKenna and Decker Lake schools. This gave opportunity to include the family and give them good work ethics. Agnes was involved in many church activities, quilting and soap making to name a few. One of Agnes's many interests was gardening; she always planted enough to give to friends and neighbours. You never left her home without a gift from her garden.
She had a great love for her grandchildren and they reciprocated that love. After the loss of her husband she continued to live at the Heritage Manor for an additional five years, after which she moved into the Pines where she lived her last eight years. Agnes was very well taken care of and loved by the staff. She was very thankful to the staff and was often heard saying thank you and I love you. This summer Agnes's declining health was evident, however she stayed at the Pines where the staff and family continued to give her love and support. Having lived 97 years, eight months, and 24 days, Agnes went to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on August 26, 2013 at 7:55 p.m. with her family at her bedside.
Agnes was predeceased by her parents, her husband Frank, 12 siblings and grandchild Jennifer Peron. Agnes leaves to mourn: daughter Martha and husband Ben, daughter Henrietta and husband Jake, son Victor, son Wilf and wife Elsie, son Raymond and wife Karen, daughter Kathie and husband Larry, 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren.