Obituary of Franz Dyck

Franz Dyck—Dec. 8, 1923 - Nov. 5, 2023

Franz’s greatest hopes and dreams of reuniting with his dear wife Katharina have finally come true... as well as reuniting with so very many of his family and friends in Glory...

Although we have counted it such a blessing to have our Papa, Opa and Gross Opa for all of just 33 days shy of 100 years... it is still with profound sadness and yet joyful celebration, that we announce the “going home” of Franz Dyck into the loving arms of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Franz passed from this life into his glorious heavenly home, the morning of Sunday November 5th at the  Douglas Memorial Hospital, at peace and looking forward to the welcoming celebration that awaited him.

Franz loved his family deeply and he cared for and served those around him with great fervour, resilience and endurance.  He is predeceased by his parents Peter and Maria Dyck of Ukraine (both dying in Paraguay); loving wife of over 75 years--Katharina Dyck (Nov. 25, 2022); sisters Margarete Hildebrandt, Anna Martens and Helene Thiessen of St. Catharines and seven other siblings in the Ukraine and Germany.  He is survived by and cherished father to Peter Dyck (Annie) and Marlene Chubb (David) and devoted Opa to Marliese (Virgil), Katrina (Aaron), Maranda (Jeremy), Alyson (Bryan) and Christina.  Cherished Gross Opa to Jase and Kierce; Jude and Lyra; Layla and Colter; and Vada and Great Grandbaby expected in December.

Also of note, is that because of his near Centennial age he was predeceased by almost more nieces and nephews than he is survived by...

With both long and arduous journeys first with his family from the Ukraine to Germany, then with his wife and infant son from Germany to Paraguay and finally from Paraguay to Canada, Franz and Katharina became lifelong and active members of St. Catharines United Mennonite Church, serving for many years and becoming one of it’s oldest members.  Franz worked as an iron worker/fitter welder for his entire career in Canada, ending with his retirement from Court Industries.  Franz’s extended family stretches all the way from Germany and Russia to Illinois, from Paraguay to Indiana and from Vancouver, B.C., to the Niagara Region... he was loved by so very many.

A celebration of Franz’s enduring life will be held at the Tallman Funeral Home Chapel, 3277 King Street, Vineland, on Friday November 10, 2023 at 10:30 am, with visitation prior to the service at Tallman's beginning at 10:00.  A reception will follow immediately after the service in the Tallman Fireside Room, with a family interment following that at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens in Fonthill.

For those wishing to view the livestream please click this link - Livestream - Franz Dyck

The family would like to thank all those who took the time and who placed utmost importance in being a part of our Papa’s life over the years.  He valued his family greatly and your time and effort lovingly spent with Papa meant so very much to him.  Our family extends their deep gratitude to the care given to Franz at the Tabor Manor Wellness Suites (especially Angel), the St. Catharines and Douglas Memorial Hospitals, as well as for the love and support of so very many family and friends in this last year of his life.

A special thank you to Dr. Sher, and Nurses Lauren, Justine, Nimmi and Leema and PSWs Marianna and Betsy, who made his final weeks on this earth such a blessing to the family he was leaving behind... you have all been truly a God-send!

Donations may be made in memory of Franz Dyck to The Gideons International in Canada, as that ministry was very close to both Papa’s and Mama’s heart.