Wiens, Woldemar J. (1890-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Jun 11 p. 8

Birth date: 1890 Dec 6

text of obituary:

. . .

— Woldemar J. Wiens, 79, retired farmer of Whitewater, died Sunday at Bethel Hospital here. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Emmaus Mennonite Church, with Rev. L. R. Amstutz in charge. Mr. Wiens was born in Russia, and had lived in the Whitewater community for the past 45 years. Survivors include his widow the former Justine M. Entz, am two sisters, Ella Bittner and Maria Thiarht, both living in Russia.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 30 Jul 1970 p. 11

WOLDEMAR J. WIENS

Woldemar J. Wiens, son of John and Maria (Wedel) Wiens, was born on Dec. 6, 1890, in Neu-Halbstadt, South Russia. He attended elementary and high school in his village and later had one year of college.

In 1909 he was baptized on confession of faith and became a member of the local church. Later when he was established in Kansas, he transferred his membership to the Emmaus Mennonite Church near Whitewater.

Due to the military situation in Russia at the time of his young manhood, he together with many of the Mennonite youth in southern Russia found it necessary to leave home and fatherland. However, some time was spent in ambulance driving and transporting Red Cross nurses to various depots. Eventually the “White Army” escaped to Constantinople where he joined a voluntary service unit and worked in a children's home for about two years.

In 1922 Amos Steiner of Kidron, Ohio, sponsored his transportation to America and provided farm work for him to pay off his obligation. The relationship between him and his employer was much more intimate than a mere master and servant basis; the friendship and consideration shown him at this home was deeply appreciated and has continued throughout these many years through letters and visits.

Two years after he emigrated he developed serious ailments, so he came to Bethel Deaconess Hospital in Newton, Kan., where he submitted to numerous operations. Upon being released, he was welcomed into the Heinrich Thiessen home where he enjoyed their hospitality and kindness for several years. He never was restored to complete health for the rest of his life.

Not being able to do strenuous physical labor, he sought other avenues of employment. One of his chief interests was chip carving in woodwork. This was much in demand at that time, and he made many beautiful trays, wall plaques, mottoes and jewelry cases. His chief hobby was stamp collecting, which resulted in making many new friends and acquiring a large assortment of stamps from many lands.

On Nov. 28, 1928, he was married to Justine Entz, who shared joys and sorrows with him for the next 42 years, and who remains to wait for the day when they will again be united in glory. He also leaves two sisters, Ella and Maria, who still live in Russia.

The Lord released him from this earthly life on June 7, 1970.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Jul 30 p. 11