Wiebe, William A. (1919-2006)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2006 Nov 24 p. 27

Birth date: 1919 Mar 21

text of obituary:

WILLIAM A. (BILL)WIEBE

William A. (Bill) Wiebe died Aug. 19 after a brief illness. He was born Mar. 21, 1919 in Ufa, Russia to Abram Jacob Schierlin g ...... Jacob Schierling was born in Siberia July 13, 1927 to Jacob and Margrete Schierling. When he was 2, his parents left Russia. His mother and a sister died enroute to Ger- aginable loss and hardship. It's a story of fam- ily love and Christian faith, of cunning survival strategies and miracles. During the 1930s and 40s, Anne helped her family escape Stalin- ist Russia and emigrate from war-torn Europe. She landed in Canada in 1948 and married Peter Friesen in 1949. They raised 4 children, Edith, Victor, Kathie, and Gary. Anne excelled at baking and dressmaking, and helped run her husband's home construction business in Vancouver. She also found time to travel, play Scrabble, and lead an active social life. Anne and Peter were among the founders of Kil- larney Park MB Church. After Peter's death in 2000, Anne moved to Langley, B.C., where she joined North Langley Community Church. Anne graced this earth with courage, intelligence, resourcefulness, chutzpah, faith, and love. She is mourned by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The burial was Sept. 28. many. He immigrated to Paraguay with his father, living both in Fries - land and the Chaco. Here Jacob gave his life to the Lord and was baptized in the EMB church. Here too he met and married Luise Kliewer June 9, 1948 . They first farmed but in 1956 moved to Filadelfia, where Jacob took up work that gave him much joy - working with machines and driving transport truck. Long trips in a pio- neering environment often brought him into danger. The family later moved to Canada, where Jacob worked in construction. He helped build King Road MB Church, Abbotsford. Jacob was a man of few words but great faith, willing- ness to help, dependability, and good humour. He prayed daily for his family. He is mourned by Luise, children Sieglinde (Helmut) Janzen, Irene (Heinz) Harms, Monica (George) Wark- entin, Ewald (Viola), and Carol (Glen) Monds; and Maria Wiebe. The 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren. The family immigrated to funeral was Sept. 18 at King Road Church. Annie Martens Canada in 1925, set- tling in Saskatoon. Bill made a commitment to follow Christ at 18, Annie Martens died Oct. 17 at age 99. She was and was baptized later that year in the South born Mar. 1907 in Orloff, Russia . She moved to Saskatchewan River. While working in Ottawa Vancouver from Alberta near the end of WWII, during WWII, Bill met Louise Thiessen and they where she lived until moving to Abbotsford married in 1944. The couple moved to Ab- approximately 10 years ago. She is mourned by botsford, B.C. in 1947, where Bill began his long nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. and significant involvement as a teacher and The memorial service was Oct. 20 at Clearbrook Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. Martha Wiens principal at Mennonite Educational Institute. He taught internationally in Nigeria and Singa- pore. He also taught in public high schools in Aldergrove, B.C. and Abbotsford, and spent a Martha Wiens died brief time at Trinity Western University. His abil- Jan. 3 at age 82. She ity to transmit a love of math and physics was was born Sept. 5, 1923 in Myrtle, Man. to Wil- helm W. and Agatha Born. Martha was steadfast, faithful, and loving. Predeceased legendary. Bill served as assistant secretary of MB Mission and Service International, travelling the world in support of the work. He also served with Logos Canada, MCC, and The Gleaners. His love for God and the church were the founda- by 10 siblings, Martha tion of his life and his deep faith inspired many. is mourned by her beloved husband of 62 Bill loved Singing and was an enthusiastic con- years, John M. Wiens; daughter Linda (Randy) cert goer. He is mourned by Louise; daughters Earl; sons John B. (Sharron), Bob (Marlene), and Karen (Bill) Parchomchuk, Phyllis (Len) Redekop, David (Ruth); 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grand- Ellen (Allan Oas), and Audrey (Stan) Loewen; children; brothers Abe and Walter; sisters Elsie Neufeld and Tina Hyde. The funeral was Jan. 7 at Westside Communi ty Church, Morden, Man. 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 4 sib- lings. The funeral was Sept. 4 at Central Heights Church, Abbotsford.