Wiens, Helen Ratzlaff (1934-1974)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1974 August 09 p. 31

Birth date: 1934 Nov 04

text of obituary:

HELEN WIENS

Helen Wiens was born November 4, 1934 to Sam and Marie Ratzlaff in the Linden Alta. area. It was here that she completed her schooling, and also accepted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, was baptized upon her confession of faith, and became a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church.

Upon completion of a business college program, she filled a secretarial position for 10 years at Dominion Construction in Calgary. A special friendship developed with her Aunt Helena Redekopp with whom she lived in Calgary.

In 1966 she married Nick Wiens with whom she shared eight precious years. Kathryn Mae, born to them in 1967 added a special joy to their lives. Throughout the last ten years of her life, Helen's activities were gradually curtailed due to a heart condition In spite of this, she enjoyed helping others often beyond her strength. Her quiet, shining Christlike life touched lives all over the community as well as in the congregation in Linden.

An awareness of the limited time which might be available to her helped Helen to place life's responsibilities in better perspective. She concentrated her efforts in providing support and inspiration to her husband, and in giving love, time and understanding to her daughter.

During the last seven months the Lord proved very precious to her. A particularly enriching experience was attendance at Bible Study Ashram Conference. The last words she spoke to her husband on the evening of June 17 were "I love you." The following morning the Lord took her home at the age of 39.

She was predeceased by her mother and one sister, Lois. Left to mourn her passing are: her husband, Nick; her daughter, Kathryn; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Ratzlaff of Linden; one brother, Raymond and Dorothy Ratzlaff of Linden; four sisters: Emerson and Verda Sept of Three Hills, Alta., Marie of Linden, Larry and Doris King of Nipawin, Sask., Ervin and Susan Harder of Linden; and many other relatives and friends.