We are saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. William Gietz on November 21 at the age of 96 in Winnipeg.
Rev. William (“Bill”) Gietz was born in 1917 on a farm in Poland, emigrating to Canada with his family in 1928 and settling near Pincher Creek, AB. He attended Winnipeg Bible Institute (now Providence College) where he met Thora Oliver, who became his wife in 1943. Following the birth of three sons, Nelson, Wesley and Rodney, and service in the Air Force in Calgary during World War II, he began divinity studies at McMaster University. During this time he served in student pastorates at South Cayuga, ON and Eagle River, ON.
His first full time ministry was at First Baptist in Kenora, ON, where son Peter was born, but who died in infancy. He next served Emerson Baptist in Emerson, MB, where son Clark was born, then Westmount Baptist in Moose Jaw, SK, before taking a secular position with the Saskatchewan government. He was called to First Baptist in Calgary, AB as an associate pastor with Rev. Dr. Howard Bentall, then moved to Thunder Bay, ON where he pastored Ft. William Baptist. During this time he also served on the Board for Canadian Baptist Overseas Mission Board, now CBM. He concluded his ministry service at St. Vital Baptist in Winnipeg, MB, where he retired as Pastor Emeritus.
His devoted wife Thora predeceased him in 2008, and his son Rodney in 2011.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 2 at 2 pm at Willowlake Baptist in Winnipeg with Rev. Mark Doerksen officiating.
Please remember Bill’s family in prayer at this time.