Wiebe, John I. (1903-1966)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1966 Feb 3 p. 2

Birth date: 1903 Jun 19

text of obituary

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The Review sadly reports the passing of one of its esteemed correspondents, John I. Wiebe of Chilliwack, B. C., who died suddenly on Jan. 4. He collapsed while walking to the office of Dr. Just, a short distance from his home. A nurse who happened to pass by did her utmost to help, but he did not respond. Funeral services were held at the Chilliwack M. B. Church on Jan. 8. He is survived by his wife, Olga, one brother and three sisters and their families.

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Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1966 Feb 11 p. 22

JOHN I. WIEBE

On January 4 the Rev. John I. Wiebe, aged 62, of Chilliwack, B.C., went home to be with his Lord. He had been in failing health since suffering a stroke in July of 1965, and collapsed suddenly on his way to see the doctor in December.

He was born June 19, 1903 in Wohldem-Fuerst, Kuban Settlement in Southern Russia. His parents were Isaak and Anna Wiebe. In 1924 they migrated to Old Mexico and two years later to Manitoba.

After attending the Winnipeg Bible Institute, John worked in Summer Vacation Bible Schools, and later among Russians, Poles and Germans. When he moved to British Columbia, he was one of the pioneers in the work of the West Coast Children's Mission. During World War II he was chaplain of the C.O. camps and was ordained to the ministry.

In 1942 he married Olga Neufeld. Together they farmed at Greendale where he also taught Bible School and served in the ministry until his retirement to Chilliwack in 1963. To the end of his days he demonstrated his love for his Saviour and spent much time visiting the sick and shut-ins.

One son, Hans Eric, both parents, and one sister have pre-deceased him. Sorrowing with his wife Olga, are his brothers and sisters: Isaak Wiebe, Chilliwack, B.C., Gerhard and Lena Fast, Vancouver, and Martha Schmor, Russia.