Willms, John P. (1905-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 Mar 18 p. 30

Birth date: 1905 May 23

text of obituary:

JOHN P. WILLMS

John P. willms was born on May 23, 1905 in Tiege, Molotschna, southern Russia, the eldest of nine children born to Peter and Katharina Willms. At the age of 14 he accepted the Lord as his Saviour, and two years later was baptized and joined the Tiege Mennonite Brethren fellowship.

On May 7, 1926 he married Helen Isaak and shortly after they emigrated to Canada. For the next 18 years they lived in several locations in Saskatchewan; eight children were born. In 1945 the family moved to Matsqui, B.C. to live on a dairy farm. In 1958 they moved to Chilliwack for one year, then to Clearbrook, B.C., their home to the present. Mr. Willms enjoyed many years of active participation in the Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren fellowship. He was known for his willingness to serve. On February 14 he was hospitalized; a severe heart attack that night led to his passing the next day.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Helen; five sons and their wives, John and Gertie, Peter and Susan, Rudie and Louise, Art and Elsie, Alden and Lynn; two daughters, Hilda and Margaret (Mrs. Bill) Wiens; 17 grandchildren; two sisters, (Mrs.) Annie Hildebrandt and (Mrs.) Margaret Neufeldt; six brothers, Peter, Dan, Henry, Cornie, Abe and Jake; and many other relatives and friends.