Wiens, Kornelius L. (1887-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Jul 7 p. 1

Birth date: 1887 Feb 19

text of obituary:

MIDDLE AGED MEADE FARMER KILLED IN TRACTOR ACCIDENT

Word has been received here that K. L. Wiens, middle aged fanner at Meade, Kansas, was fatally burned in a tractor accident there late Monday afternoon, July 4. Mr. Wiens is survived by his wife and six children. A daughter and her husband, Rev. Dave Klassen and family, reside at Hillsboro. He was a member of the K.M.B. church.

Funeral services will be held Thursday forenoon. Mrs. Sam Entz, a niece, and her husband, who are spending the summer at the parental B. G. Entz home southeast of Newton, left on Wednesday to attend the funeral.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Aug 4 p. 3

text of obituary:

K. L. WIENS

Kornelius L. Wiens, our beloved husband and father, was born at Halbstadt, South Russia, on February 19, 1887. Here in the early years of his life he received his education.

In 1906 he left his parental home and migrated to America where he made his home with his uncle, B. A. Wiens, Inman, Kansas. During this time he worked as a carpenter.

In 1910 he was baptized by Rev. Henry Toews upon confession of his faith in Christ Jesus, and received as a member of the Bethel Mennonite church. After leaving Inman, Kansas, his church membership was transferred to the E. M. B. church, where he remained a faithful member to the end.

On May 16, 1912 he united with Agatha Wiens in holy matrimony. It has been their privilege to strive for the same goals and share problems and victories of life for thirty-seven years, one month, and eighteen days. The Lord has blessed this marriage with eight children, six of whom are living today.

In August, 1923 the family moved to Meade county, Kansas, and settled on a small farm southeast of Meade. We are thankful that although adverse circumstances and difficulties have been met, the Lord has prospered the work.

From his youth he loved the church and has taken active part in its activities. He has spent his life in unselfish devotion to the family and the community. He found great joy in the knowledge that every member of the family had accepted Christ for personal salvation and always encouraged preparation for Christian service.

Father had been blessed with good health throughout his life. He was industrious on the farm, as well as giving patient assistance to mother in the home.

During the last years he had not usually been driving the tractor, but on Monday he suggested that he help the youngest son finish plowing. In an attempt to cross a washout the tractor was hurled over backwards and he was instantly killed beneath its weight, after which the tractor caught fire and the body was burned beyond recognition. He has finished his course on earth in 62 years, four months and 15 days.

He leaves to mourn his sudden departure, his wife, and children, Lydia and her husband, George Classen; Martha and her husband, Francis Groening; Pete and his wife, Lenora; Hilda and her husband, Menno Friesen; Waldo and Holland of the home; two grandchildren, Connie Jo Groening and George LaVern Classen; a brother, Henry of Sardis British Columbia; two sisters, Elizabeth (Mrs. Dietrich Mirau, of Matsqui, British Columbia, and Margaret (Mrs. Miller), believed to be in Russian occupied Germany; an uncle, John A. Wiens, of Dinuba, California; and many other relatives and friends.

Two sons, Leonard, two and one half years, and Pete J., three years, his parents and a brother of Russia preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 7, at the E. M. B. church of Meade with Rev. Orlando Wiebe in charge. Interment was in the church cemetery. — The family.