Wiens, Maria Thiessen (1868-1929)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1929 Aug 7 p. 6

Birth date: 1868 Jan 9

text of obituary:

Mrs. H. A. Wiens

Inman, Kansas, July 26. Maria Wiens, nee Thiesen, was born Janury 9, 1868 in the village of "Neukirch," South Russia. In 1877 she came to America with her parents who settled in Harvey county near Moundridge, Kansas. There she spent her early years and received her education. June 4, 1886, she was baptized upon her confession of faith by Elder Heinrich Toews and was received into the Bethel Church, whose faithful member she was at the time of her departure. May 23, 1889, she was united in marriage to our father, Henry A. Wiens, a widower and thereby became foster-mother of his three little children. They lived in the bond of holy matrimony 31 years, 11 months and 15 days. Seven children were born to them, 3 sons and 4 daughters. One son and one daughter preceeded [sic] her to the great beyond in infancy. 39 grandchildren were born. Nine of these have already passed to the eternal resting place.

Her husband died May 14, 1920. He suffered a stroke of paralysis on May 14, 1914 and during the last years of his life was dependent upon her help and care. She lived on her farm with her children. For some years she was ailing. In March 1928, the illness became more serious so that she was taken to the Bethesda Hospital on May 23, of the same year. There she was cared for during the last 13 months of her stay. But the time of her sickness also brot [sic] suffering and struggles. Great was her joy to have one outstanding wish of hers fulfilled, that of speaking to her brother, John Thiessen, missionary from India. She also wished and hoped to become well enough to return home. Since April her condition gradually became worse, so that this hope vanished. Her end seemed to be near. July 15 at 5:45 p. m. she breathed her last.

She attained the age of 61 years, 6 months and 6 days. She leaves to mourn her passing, 2 sons, 3 daughters, 1 foster son, 2 foster daughters, 2 brothers, 6 sisters and many relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Sunday at 2 p. m. from the Mennonite church. Interment was at the South Inman Cemetery. Geo. Klassen, of the Bethesda hospital, Rev. B. O. Kroeker, of Jansen, Nebraska, Rev. Klaas Kroeker, Rev. A. C. Wall were the speakers at the church, while a men's quartet and a group of nurses from the hospital sang at the services. Rev. A. P. Neufeld spoke at the house services. Rev. P. F. Neufeld conducted the last rites at the cemetery while a mixed octette sang. — Inman Review.