June 29, 1935 - January 7, 2025
Rudy Froese, late of Chilliwack, and formerly of Agassiz, passed away Jan. 7, 2025 at 89 years of age. Rudolph Cornelius Froese was born June 29, 1935 in Humboldt, Saskatchewan to Cornelius A. and Katherine Froese.
The family moved to the Chilliwack area in 1942, settling first in Greendale and then moving to East Chilliwack around 1951. He grew up on a dairy farm with his parents and nine siblings and was active in 4-H for many years.
Rudy was baptized at the East Chilliwack M.B. Church.
He married his wife Elly (Toews) on May 27, 1960.
Rudy worked on the Agassiz Agricultural Research Station from 1962 until he retired in 1991, starting in the dairy for many years, moving to the field crew and ending his career as a labourer.
He and Elly were charter members of Harrison Gospel Chapel in Harrison Hot Springs and were active in the church from 1962 to 1996. Rudy was an usher and the Sunday School registrar for many years.
They moved to Chilliwack in 1996. Together, they enjoyed many years of daily walks, sometimes up to 15 kms a day. To many people, they were known as the walkers.
Rudy had a keen memory of farming and Mennonite life in the Chilliwack area, birthdays and anniversaries.
He leaves to mourn, Elly, his wife of 64 years; daughter Val (Chris) Nickless; sons Richard, Brad and Jeffrey; grandchildren Amanda (Mike) de Groot and Shelby Nickless; great-grandchildren Jasper de Groot and Anneka de Groot; brothers Fred and Allen and sister Jenny (Jack) Derksen; numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; brothers Vic, Hugo, Dave and Bob and sisters Irene Thiessen and Betty Gast.
A service will be held at a later date.