Wieler, Abram Henry (1920-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Nov 23 p. 25

Birth date: 1920

text of obituary:

ABRAM HENRY WIELER

Abram Henry Wieler of North Delta, B.C. passed away Oct. 11. He was born May 7, 1920 to Henry and Agnes Wieler in Orenburg, Russia. The family emigrated; he grew up on a farm near Swift Current, Sask. He accepted Christ at 15 and was baptized at 18 by Henry Klassen at Rhinefeld, Sask. Ordained at 25, his preaching career started at age 15, and continued for 55 years. He graduated from Herbert Bible School and teacher's college in Moose Jaw, Sask. He married Frieda Redekop Aug. 22, 1943 at Main Centre, Sask. He taught elementary school for 2 years and worked a year in a city mission in Swift Current. He went to teach at Abbotsford (B.C.) Bible School (now Columbia Bible College), where his father-in-law Jacob F. Redekop was principal. He taught 14 years until 1959, the last 3 as principal. to supplement his salary, he worked long hours at carpentry, later assisted by his sons. He studied at Western Washington State College in Bellingham, pastored Abbotsford (now Central Heights) MB Church for 2 years, was · instructor at Bethany Bible Institute for 6 years, the last several as principal. He challenged hundreds of young people to dedicate their lives to Christian service and had a gift for following them up and encouraging them. He studied at Vancouver School of Theology and other institutions. He pastored Queensborough MB Church in New Westminster B.C. and ministered in other churches. For the past 8 years he was chaplain at Pine Grove Care Home near Fraserview MB Church in Richmond, B.C., led 5 weekly Bible studies and continued his woodworking. He had established a Bible school radio ministry, which he led for 9 years; led the West Coast Children's Mission, guiding the formation of several churches; led in establishing Columbia Bible Camp; and served on many church and conference boards. His last audible prayer was for his family, including every grandchild. Predeceased by son Dennis in 1989, he is mourned by his wife; sons Gerald and Stanley; daughter Karen; 6 sisters and 3 brothers. The funeral was Oct. 16 in Fraserview MB Church, with Art Willms and Henry Wiebe ministering.