David Unruh

David Unruh

April 27, 1946 – September 22, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David “Dave” A. Unruh. Dave went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 22^nd, 2026, surrounded by family, ushered into heaven to the tune of “Amazing Grace.” David was born on April 27^th, 1946 in Osler, Saskatchewan, to Frank and Anna Unruh. He was the 4th of 10 children. David loved the Lord, and was baptized in 1966 in the Old Colony Church in Neuanlage.

David had fond memories of the one-room Schoolhouse close to his house and attended until grade 8, when he was needed to work on the farm. He later received his GED. Dave farmed in various locations, then worked at Flexicoil for 15 years, and Westeel for 10 years. Dave was a shipper receiver and would often be found running from place to place.

David fell deeply in love with Shirley Janzen, and they were wed on July 31, 1966, embarking on a beautiful life together. They happily welcomed Gregory, Gary, Valerie and Crystal, and raised them to love the Lord also.

David’s greatest love was his family. He would joyfully share of his 12 grandchildren and soon-to-be 27 great-grand children, being involved in their lives until the end. “Papa Dave” was held in high regard starting young, as he was always counted on to get some licorice or candy into your hands. He shared his love of music, WWE, KFC, McDonalds, old cars, photography and the outdoors. Whatever your interest was, it was now also one of his, so he could do something along side you. He threw many footballs and baseballs, and watched many soccer and hockey games. He was the willing audience of dances done of the front lawn, and concerts done by the talented, and less talented!

Dave had a talent and passion for music. He could pick up an instrument and play most anything, though his favorites were the dobro and drums. He drummed with The Musical Messengers for 20 years, travelling the continent to share the gospel music. He and Shirley attended many music festivals, and put on Rock Ridge Gospel Music Festival for 25 years. He continued to drum at his church, Martensville Mission Church, until the Lord took him home.

David was also quite the chef. He loved to serve others in this way and did so in many forms. He worked and owned restaurants, including The Wagon Wheel in Warman (1986-1991) and Shirley’s Mennonite Kitchen in Osler (1996-2001), and was often found in the kitchen at Rock Ridge. If you stopped by his house even remotely close to a mealtime, you were well-fed. Many family meals were shared at his table.

To know Dave was to love Dave. He had much joy, and was always ready to make you smile. Whether you were 2 years old, or almost 200, Dave would make sure you felt welcomed, and even cherished. Often found with a coffee in his hand and a smile on his face, he was easy to talk to, and listened well.

David battled Multiple Myeloma Cancer for 4 years, diagnosed in August of 2022 and started chemo shortly after. Though he was often in much pain, when asked how he was, he would casually reply “Oh, I’m gooood,” then make sure you were doing well.

David is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Anna, his infant brother Jake, and brother-in-law Issac Wiebe, His in-laws Henry and Aganetha Janzen.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, and dog Kinley. Greg and Rachel Unruh and children Kianna and Kevin Janzen (Anna, Evie, Kallie) and Zoe and Brody Melnyk. Gary and Maxine Unruh and children Danielle and Mackenzie Friesen (Skylar, Beckett, Emmy-Jo), Karleigh and Chad Zulyniak, and Regan Unruh. Valerie and John Martens and children Matthew and Alycia Martens (Lucas, Abigail, Wyatt, Lily), Cody and Shaleen Martens (Seth, Dillon, Beau, Chase, Maverick, Chloe, Tessa), Shealynn and Regan Pichler (Everly, Brielle, Natalie, Willow), Devon Martens and Hailey White (Cheyanniah). Crystal and Don Martens and children Colton and Emilie Martens (Sadie), Brittany and Bryan Hamm (Wade, Halle) and Dylan Martens and Courtney Barteski. David’s Siblings: Henry (Mary) Unruh, Jacob (Agatha) Unruh, Anne (Irvin) Peters, Elizabeth (Issac) Wiebe, Eva (Edward) Peters, Cornelius (Sarah) Unruh, Tina (Bill) Thiessen, Margaret (Abe) Thiessen. Shirley’s Siblings: Joyce (Jules) Unger, Kathy (Dan) Bueckert, Jeanne (Gary) Malberg, and Julie (Terry) Baumgarten. Dave had many more relatives he cared about. He will be deeply missed.

David’s Viewing is at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Martensville Mission Church, 6 5th Ave North, Martensville. The Funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026 at Dalmeny Bible Church, 406 Wakefield Ave, Dalmeny. To watch the live stream please click on the link below.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF THE FUNERAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE DAVID UNRUH
(No password or login will be necessary. A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above. The copy will be available for approximately 6 months.)

Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.