Bill Driedger

Our Dad, Bill (William) Driedger, was born on October 29, 1940 and was the fourth child of John and Katherine Driedger. Dad’s mother passed away when he was 14. At that time, he spent a lot of time at his grandparents in Rudnerweide. Dad and his uncles enjoyed their time together and these special bonds grew into lifelong friendships. Dad’s father married Elizabeth Kehler in March of 1959. This union brought together eight Driedger children with 7 Kehler children. With 15 children in the family, two more brothers were born to John and Elizabeth which brought the family to 17 children. Dad often reflected on how his mother Kehler always said that she “only had children, no step-children”. This love and acceptance influenced Dad’s approach to life and his way of extending acceptance and care to others.

Dad was raised near Rosefarm, Manitoba. The story goes that Mom met Dad at Sunday school when they were children. However, Dad only met Mom when she caught his eye as a teenager. After 2 years of dating, Mom strongly encouraged Dad to decide whether he was going to pop the question and they were married at the Lowe Farm Bergthaler Church on July 17, 1960. Dad worked at a few different jobs and then was hired as a grain buyer for Manitoba Pool which required him and Mom to relocate more than 10 times in locations around Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan. During this time Mom and Dad had 2 daughters that died in infancy. They then had two daughters, Corrine & Lori and one son, Jason, before returning to Altona in 1972 to put down roots and raise their family. In 1974 Christopher was born and their brood was complete.

After settling in Altona, Dad and Mom joined the Bergthaler Mennonite Church of Altona and were longtime active members in their church family. Dad worked as a grain buyer at Bunge (formerly CanAmera and CSP) in Altona for 32 years. Mom ( & Dad ) worked as house parents at the 204 Residence for about 13 years. There are many fond memories of our family’s time that was shared with the residents.

Dad’s passion for sports and fishing were shared with his family and friends. He played for the Braves baseball team, is one of the founders of Altona Minor Baseball, and volunteered for various roles in the Altona Maroons organization. Dad’s love for camping and fishing were shared with his children and this rippled out to his grandchildren. Many special memories were made camping with family and friends. Dad became a grandpa at age 43 and it was a role that brought him much joy. Grandpa and grandma’s house was always open for the grandkids and lunch at Grandma & Grandpa’s became a special tradition for many years.

In retirement, Dad and Mom enjoyed time with family and friends. This included yearly trips to Yuma, Arizona for several months at a time, 3 trips to Cabo San Lucas with Cliff and Corrine, and many road trips with friends. Bill enjoyed working part-time driving the bus for clients at Blue Sky, volunteering at MCC, and getting together with family and friends. Retirement also lead them to move from their home at the corner near Parkside to a condo across from West Park School. Jason fondly recalls seeing Dad wandering into his classroom during the day with a “quick question” that probably should have been a phone call after school. In 2023, Mom and Dad made the move to a suite on the third floor at the Gardens on Tenth.

Dad’s mobility and overall health began a slow decline the past few years. Our sister Corrine’s passing on August 21, 2024, broke many hearts in our family, including Mom & Dad’s. Our hearts ached for Cliff and family and also for Dad and Mom as we saw them grieving her death.

This past July, we were blessed to celebrate Mom and Dad’s 65th wedding anniversary. In late July of 2025, Dad fell while returning to their car. A few weeks later he was admitted for a 3 week stay at Boundary Trails Hospital. Dad ( and Mom) accepted Homecare so that he could transition home to recuperate. Mom, the Homecare workers, our family, and their “Gardens on 10th” family provided the support and care that Dad needed to slowly improve over the past two months.

We celebrated Dad’s 85th birthday on October 29th with family and friends. Our parents were blessed to connect with many relatives on November 5th at our Aunt Sarah’s celebration of life reception. Then on Friday, November 7, 2025, we got a call from Mom that Dad said he wasn’t feeling well and had collapsed in their suite. Dad was rushed to Boundary Trails Hospital and was on a heart pacer until his heart no longer responded to the pacer.

At the age of 85 years and 8 days, Dad stepped from this world into Heaven. Dad’s blessings of care and his legacy of love is cherished by his wife of 65 years, Dora Driedger (nee Friesen), his son-in-law Cliff Sawatzky, daughter Lori Driedger, son Jason (Tammy) Driedger, and son Chris (Karla) Driedger. His grandchildren; Vanessa (Darryl) Toews, Mike (Jaime) Sawatzky, Deandra (Steve) Braun, Travis (Des) Veeder, Brody (Sarah) Voth, Josh (Rebecca) Driedger, Zack (Grace) Driedger, Lucas (Kenna) Driedger, Chloe Driedger, Kelsey Driedger, and Olivia Driedger. His great grandchildren Jessie (fiancé Paul), Deegan, Riley & Jaxson Toews, Jayden, Carter & Paisley Veeder, Avery & Myles Sawatzky, Lennox & Tucker Braun, Jett & Oren Voth.

Dad was predeceased by his daughter Corrine, 2 daughters in infancy, 2 great grandchildren, his parents, his parents-in-law, and other dear family members. Dad will be dearly missed by his Driedger / Kehler family and his Friesen family. He’ll also be missed by the many friends that Dad and Mom made in our community and during their travels.

We offer our thanks to the EMS paramedics and ER staff at the Boundary Trails Hospital for their critical care of Dad. We are thankful for the amazing Homecare staff that provided care and support for Dad and Mom the past two months. And we’re thankful to the Gardens on Tenth staff and community for the many ways that they have supported and cared for Dad and Mom.

Dad, your Earthly journey is complete. We will care for Mom and for each other, just like you modeled for us. We mourn your presence, hearing your voice, sharing a hug, singing along with a song, and your interest and care for all of us. We love you Bill, Dad, Grandpa, Great-grandpa!! See you in Heaven!!

A celebration of Bill’s life was held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church, with burial at the Altona Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Bill may be made to Blue Sky Opportunities.