Susie Unger (nee Dueck), beloved wife of the late John J Unger, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at the age of 99 years.

Susie was born on March 21, 1920, in the village of Klubnikov, in the Orenburg region of southern Russia. In 1926 her family immigrated to Canada and eventually settled in Coaldale, Alberta. Susie went to school until her birthday in Grade 8. She attended three years of Bible School, then taught Sunday School, German School, and Vacation Bible School. Susie also played piano for the church choir.

Susie married John Unger on November 23, 1946. As the wife of a farmer, she was often involved in the farm activities, from beet thinning to harvest, along with the demands of being a mother to seven children, maintaining a home, and finding time for a large garden and always, her beautiful flowers. In later years when Mom had more time, as long as she was able, she continued a humble ministry of sewing blankets for MCC and Mexico. The verses chosen for their wedding remained a consistent theme throughout her life: Deut 31:8 “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you” and Matt 8:19 “Meister, ich will dir folgen” (Master, I will follow you). Mom exemplified a life of trusting God’s provision and faithfulness for each day, and though she longed to be reunited with family and others whom she knew were waiting in heaven, her profound love for Jesus prompted her to write in her diary “Someday there will be a reunion. But I long to meet my Savior first of all.” Her whole life she remained faithful to the words sung as a recessional at their wedding: “Lord Jesus, go before us on our life’s journey. We want to follow you faithfully. Lead us by the hand to our heavenly home.”

Our dear mother and grandmother is now enjoying her heavenly home.   Susie is survived by her children John (Merrill), Melvin (Betty), Terry (Susan), Linda, Alfred (Diane), Edith, Clarence (Theresa), 19 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. Susie was predeceased by her husband John, parents Peter and Anna Dueck, sisters Margaret, Anne, Agnes and infant Mary, brothers Peter and Henry, and son-in-law Florian.

Visitation will be held at Cornerstone Funeral Home, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, on Friday, January 31 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Susie will be laid to rest in the Coaldale Cemetery on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 10:00 am; close friends are welcome to join the family.  A celebration of Susie's life will follow at the Coaldale MB Church, 2114 18 Street at 11:00 am with Pastor Gary Burke officiating.