Wiens, Abraham W. (1885-1969)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1969 Jul 10 p. 8

Birth date: 1885 Sep 21

text of obituary:

. . .

• Abraham W. Wiens, 83, of Inman died July 4 at his home. He lived his entire life at Inman where he farmed and was custodian of the Bethel Mennonite Church for 40 years. Survivors include his widow, Mary; three daughters, Mrs. G. B. (Justina) Neufeld of Elkhart, Ind., Mrs. Dave (Elizabeth) Enns of Inman, and Mrs. A. F. (Linda) Enns of Inman; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers and five sisters. Funeral services were held Tuesday in the Bethel Mennonnite Church of Inman with Rev. Paul Isaak officiating.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1969 Jul 24 p. 11

text of obituary:

ABRAHAM W. WIENS

(The first part of this obituary was written by Mr. Wiens in 1960 when he was 75 years old.

My parents were Abraham A. and Anna Wiens. I was born in a farm one-half mile south of Inman, Kan. on Sep. 21, 1885. Most of my school years were in the private German School which I enjoyed very much. I was a lost boy, felt as a sinner until I accepted Jesus as my saviour and was baptized on June 19, 1904, by Elder C. M. Wall of Henderson, Neb., and taken into the Ebenezer Church (Evangelical Mennonite Brethren) near Inman.

On April 10, 1907, I was married to Margaretha Thiessen. We enjoyed out family with our four daughters — Justina, Elizabeth, Linda and Helen. In February, 1932, Margaretha suffered a stroke. My daughters and I and many friends and neighbors took care of her, until on Aug. 18, 1933, the Lord took her home.

On Aug. 28, 1935, I was married to Mary Reimer. In 1941 we made the change from the farm to town. after moving to town we helped at the Mission Home in Hillsboro, Kan. for a short time. For the next four years we were at the grade school in Inman serving as custodian and cook. After that we were houseparents at the Home for Aged in Inman for four years.

At the time of my marriage in 1907, I became a member of the Bethel Mennonite Church, Inman, which I enjoyed, especially the Sunday school and C. E. work. On March 28, 1940, I was elected a deacon in the church along with Bro. J. T. Pauls. I was also able to serve as custodian for 40 years. Our last Sunday with this work was Dec. 15, 1963. I always appreciated what the church was to me. For all the love and kindness I have received, I feel unworthy. I feel that I am a debtor.

The following was added to his life story.

On May 15, 1967, he gave up his responsibilities as deacon, having served for 27 years. He was one who was instrumental in beginning the Christian Endeavor work in the church shortly after he became a member. Also he was a Sunday school teacher from the time he joined until about 1957, a period of 50 years. In 1954 he began the annual Memorial Day service at the South Inman Cemetery.

He felt keenly the death of the youngest daughter, Helen, in 1965. Shortly before her passing both Mr. and Mrs. Wiens had spent a meaningful period of time with her and her family in California.

On Christmas Day, 1968, was the first indication that his health was failing. He had an attack of dizziness which was of concern to the family. On Feb. 4, 1969, he entered the Mercy Hospital, Moundridge, for the first of several periods of hospitalization. The last six weeks of his life he was able to be at home. He passed away peacefully on the evening of July 4, at the age of 83 years, nine months and 12 days.

Activity in the church was his first love. It was with reluctance that he gave up the duties in 1963 and deacon in 1967.

Those who survive his passing are: His wife, Mary; three daughters: Justina and husband, George B. Neufeld, Elkhart, Ind.; Elizabeth and husband, Dave Enns, Inman; Linda and husband Abe F. Enns, Inman; a son-in-law: Art Penner and wife, Ella, of Fresno, Calif; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers: John and wife, Anna of Inman; Kurt and wife, Mary, Goessel; five sisters: Margaretha and husband, J. H. Ediger, Inman; Mrs. Agnes Mueller, Goessel; Mrs. Helen Enns, Inman; Katherine and husband, J. W. Ediger, Hutchinson; Martha and husband, Gus Baergen, Hutchinson; three sisters-in-law and many other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Margaret, and daughter, Helen; his parents, two sisters, and two brothers.

Funeral services were held at the Bethel Mennonite Church, Inman, Kan., on July 8, with Rev. Paul Isaak officiating.

The Mennonite obituary: 1969 Jul 29 p. 474