Wiebe, Gerhard (1871-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Dec 26 p. 8

Birth date: 1871

text of obituary:

GERHARD WIEBE

Our father, Gerhard Wiebe, was born Jan.21, 1871, in Heubuden, West Prussia in Germany, and was one of 11 children. In 1890 he with his parents and brothers and sister migrated to America, settling on a farm four miles northeast of Whitewater, Kan. Here he went through the hardships of pioneer life.

Most of Mr. Wiebe's education was received in Germany. I 1888 he was baptized upon his confession of faith by Elder Heinrich Penner and was untied with the Mennonite Church in Heubuden. Later he joined the Emmaus Mennonite Church at Whitewater.

In 1928 Mr. and Mrs. Wiebe were privileged to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary and 25 years later their golden wedding anniversary.

He was a loving father and much concerned about the spiritual welfare of his family. He enjoyed good health most of his life, except for a brief period. he often quoted the verse: "The sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory which is to come," as well as many other verses.

On Dec. 12 he entered the hospital. In spite of all that was done for him he steadily became worse until he passed away quietly the following day, Dec. 13, at 9:45 a. m. at the age of 86 years, ten months and 22 days.

He is survived by his loving wife Marie; one son Bernard and wife Margaretha of Little Rock, Arkansas; four daughters, Metha, Mrs. Otto Penner of Whitewater, Frieda, Mrs. Erich Penner of Whitewater, Magdalene, Mrs. Charles Diener of Canton, Kansas, and Clara, Mrs. Ernest Johnson of Washington, D. C. Mourning his departure are 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; three brothers and a host of relatives and friends.

We will miss him greatly, but we will meet him again in eternity. Since he greatly believed in the power of prayer, he often expressed appreciation for all the prayers on his behalf. He was eager to part from this life and to be forever with the Lord.

The Mennonite obituary: 1958 Feb 11 p. 93

text of obituary:

Gerhard Wiebe, member of Emmaus Church, Whitewater, Kansas, was born January 21, 1871, in Germany, and passed away December 13, 1957.