Wiebe, Jacob J. (1870-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Jan 23 p. 8

Birth date: 1870 Jul 4

text of obituary:

JACOB J. WIEBE

Jacob J. Wiebe, eldest son of Elder Jacob A. and Justina Friesen Wiebe, was born July 4, 1870, in Annenfeld, Russia and passed to his eternal reward Dec. 18, 1957, reaching the age of 87 years, six months and 14 days.

He came to America with his parents on August 17, 1874, and settled on a farm in the Gnadenau community where he grew to manhood. He received his early education in the Gnadenau school.

At the age of 17 he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized on the confession of his faith in October, 1887, and became of the Gnadenau Church, remaining a faithful member until his death.

He was united in marriage to Susanna Schroeder in November, 1893, and they were privileged to live together 20 years. In 1906 Leona was adopted as a little girl.

As a young man, a number of years were spent teaching school, after which he moved to Lehigh where he was engaged in the printing business.

Sorrow struck the home on Oct. 31, 1913, when his wife, Susanna passed away. Soon his hearing became impaired, resulting in total deafness. This was a great disappointment to him, being a man of varied interests.

Later he moved to Hillsboro where he lived alone, spending much time reading and also writing articles for the Hillsboro Journal. He read through the Bible several times and also wrote much poetry.

He was always concerned about his fellow men and was always prepared to show kindness. He was a great friend to children and found unusual joy in giving them little treats.

Several years of failing health required his making his home at Cedar Rest Home and at the Salem Home. From there he was moved to the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Prieb. Several weeks ago he became seriously ill and entered Salem Hospital on Dec. 15, where he passed away Dec. 18, 1957.

His parents, Elder and Mrs. Wiebe, a sister, Mrs. Henry E. Block, two brothers, John F. D. Wiebe and Peter J. Wiebe, preceded him in death. He is survived by one adopted daughter, Leona, and her husband Herbert Thiessen of Whitewater, Kansas, three grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services were conducted at the Goertz Funeral Home on Dec. 21, 1957. Burial was made at the Gnadenau Cemetery, Hillsboro. Kansas.