Willms, Daniel (1891-1971)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1971 Apr 20 p. 30

Birth date: 1891 Oct 22

text of obituary:

DANIEL WILLMS

Daniel Willms was born to John and Katharina Willms of Kleefeld, South Russia on October 22, 1891. He attended public school in Kleefeld, high school in Alexanderkrone and took further teacher training in Halbstadt. In 1913 he began his teaching career in the Bachmuter area. It was here that he accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour, was baptized and received into the Mennonite Brethren church in Ruckenau. Later, while teaching in the village of Friedensfeld, he met his wife to be, whom he married on June 15,1921.

In 1926 the family was able to leave Russia and move to Canada. They settled in Leamington, Ontario, and despite a difficult beginning, the Lord blessed them . Four sons and two daughters were born to them, three of whom predeceased their father, two sons, Daniel and Ernie, in their infancy, and a third, Edward, at the age of 45.

Mr. Willms passed away suddenly on April 8, slightly more than two months before he and his wife hoped to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife, Tina; one son, Harry, of Leamington; two daughters, Mrs. Ben (Molly) Neufeld of Leamington, and Mrs. Jacob (Katie) Neufeld of Vineland; two sons-in-law and two daughters-in-law; 18 grandchildren and many relatives and friends.