Christel was born into a Christian home full of love and laughter. Early in her life she committed her life to Christ and remained a committed and faithful servant living out the gospel message for the rest of her days.
Christel loved school and was an excellent student. However, like so many of her generation, the war came to Europe and she was unable to continue her education. Her father and two brothers saw active service while Christel remained at home supporting and caring for her mother.
The Diesing family lost everything during the war. They made plans to immigrate to Canada and to begin a new life there. Tragically, her brother Wilhelm, aged 21 lost his life in a motorcycle accident prior to their departure.
The Diesing family arrived in Canada on June 13, 1953, settling in Winnipeg. It was at McDermot Baptist Church that Christel met Helmuth Schumacher at Young Peoples. They fell in love becoming engaged Christmas, 1954.
Helmuth and Christel married on May 23, 1955 in Winnipeg. After their marriage they moved to Prince Rupert where their son Ralph was born in 1956. In 1957 they moved to Kitimat where Helmuth worked as a heavy duty mechanic for the district. Their son Gerhard arrived in 1957. Helmuth and Christel had a very loving relationship. They were a strong team doing most activities and ministries together for over 57 years.
Christel and Helmuth lived in Kitimat until Helmuth’s retirement in 1987. They were very involved at Kitimat First Baptist Church. Christel and Helmuth had the gift of hospitality. Many Sundays visitors and newcomers were invited to their home for lunch. Christel also had a heart for those who were ill or who had suffered loss. Often she was the first to call, drop off a meal or send cards of encouragement.
Christel worked various jobs in Kitimat including housekeeping, working in production at the Sentinel, a local newspaper and working at the Sears Catalogue store. But her passion was for her family and caring for them. She loved to bake, cook German speciality dishes and work in her garden and flower beds. As a family, they enjoyed many vacations to the US, Germany, Kelowna and the Rockies. Christel had a love for the outdoors and nature. She also loved music, played the alto recorder with skill and was involved in many church choirs.
After retirement, Christel and Helmuth moved to Abbotsford. They became involved at Maranatha church and later at Immanuel Baptist church. During their retirement they were involved in several missions trips to South America and Kenya. It gave them great joy to be serving overseas. They were known to be the hardest workers of the group.
After Helmuth’s passing in 2012, Christel remained in Abbotsford continuing to serve as usher and greeter at Immanuel church. She continued to visit those in hospital and offer comfort to those recently bereaved.
Christel suffered two falls in 2015 resulting in her moving out of her apartment and into Zion Park Manor where she lived for the last years of her life. She enjoyed the musical events, the bell choir and outings during her time at Zion.
After a short illness, Christel went home to her Lord on Thursday, October 8th at the age of 90. The family is especially grateful for the excellent care she received from the nurses and staff at Zion Park Manor.
Christel is survived by her two sons, Ralph and Gerhard, her daughter in laws Julie and Janie as well as six grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
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