Wiens, Esther Jantz (1910-1982)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1982 Aug 12 p. 11

Birth date: 1910 Oct 6

text of obituary:

ESTHER JANTZ WIENS

Esther Wiens was born Oct. 6, 1910 near Marlin, Wash., the daughter of John C. and Susie Kauman Jantz. She died in Mercer Island, Wash. on July 19, 1982.

Esther was an honor graduate of Odessa (Wash.) High School and of Bethel College, North Newton, Kan. in 1933.

On Aug. 17, 1935 she married Ferdinand J. Wiens, who preceded her in death on Jan. 31, 1980. During their 43 years of marriage they lived in Berne, Ind.; Portland, Ore.; Long Beach, Calif. After illness forced her husband’s retirement they lived in Woodburn, Ore. When Ferd died she moved to Bellevue, Wash. to be near her daughter.

She was a student of the Christian faith which led her to read the Bible from cover to cover several times. Her faith in Christ was firmly based in the Word of God. She spent hours listening to all her Bible programs on the radio, and faithfully contributed money to various religious organizations. She was vitally interested in the work of missionaries.

She was baptized in the Ruff Salem Mennonite Church in 1923. At the church convention she decided to go into the mission fields, but her health prevented her from fulfilling this desire. The manner in which she accepted and endured her illnesses was a testimony to her faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Esther was a loyal and dedicated participant in the life of the General Conference. She had personal correspondence with many missionary workers and frequently had them as guests in her home. At the time of her death she was a member of Emmanuel Mennonite Church of Pratum, Ore.

Esther was a generous person with her family and friends sharing her possessions, time and talents unselfishly. She enjoyed hosting her family and friends frequently.

She is survived by her daughter, Gladys, and husband, Don Friesen, of Bellevue, Wash.; two sisters, Jennie Krehbiel of Ritzville, Wash. and Josephine Stucky of Seattle, Wash.; one brother, Joe Jantz of Ritzville, Wash.; and two granddaughters.

The committal service was held July 22, 1982 at the Menno Mennonite cemetery with a memorial service at the Menno Mennonite Church, Ritzville. Paul Isaak officiated.