Wiens, A. A. (1859-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Aug 1 p. 3

Birth date: 1859 Dec 18

text of obituary:

A. A. WIENS

A. A. Wiens was born in Kleefeld, South Russia, Dec. 18, 1859. Here he spent the early years of his life and received his elementary education. In 1875, he came to America with his parents. They settled near Inman, Kansas.

On June 6, 1880, he was baptized by Elder Heinrich Toews and was received as member into the Bethel church. Although a more definite assurance of salvation was received in the years after baptism, yet he was also certain of the fact that his baptism had been upon true faith and that he had then become a child of God and member of the kingdom of heaven.

On Nov. 25, 1884, he was united in marriage to Anna Wiens. For 47 years, three months and 12 days, they were permitted to share joys and sorrows. this union was blessed with fourteen children. Two of these died in their infancy and three, Jacob, Henry, and Anna, (Mrs. George Enns) after growing to maturity. Mother died April 30, 1931. Her parting and the separation from her caused father considerable grief. however, he bore it quietly and strove to live that it might some day also be said of him, he kept the faith.

The last years of his life he spent at his home in Inman, where Agnes and Martha made their come with him, and Agnes cared for him to the extent that he needed care. The end came as the result of old age and he peacefully breathed his last at 11:45 p.m. on July 16. He reached the age of 86 years, six months and 28 days.

He leaves to mourn his departure nine children, Abraham W. Wiens, (Mary) Mrs. B. A. Wiens, (Margaret) Mrs. J. H. Ediger, John W. Wiens, Agnes Wiens, (Helen) Mrs. H. J. Enns, (Katherine) Mrs. J. W. Ediger, Kurt Wiens and Martha Wiens, 43 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren, besides other relatives and friends. Five children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild preceded him in death.

We mourn but not without hope, for we feel certain that Father has gone home to be with the Lord, whom he loved and served.

Funeral services were held on July 19 at the Bethel church near Inman. J. P. Balzer brought a message, using as a text, Heb. 4:9. A mixed choir sang a favorite song of the deceased, “Wann schlaegt die Stunde, ach wann darf ich gehn?” Rev. Neufeld read the obituary and brought a message based on Phil. 1:23, 24. Rev. Jacob Enns of Corn, Okla., brought a few thoughts out of Ps. 43:3. Bu rial was in the cemetery south of Inman.