Obituary of Henry Wiens

On Friday, April 14, 2023, Henry Wiens, age 98, passed on to his heavenly home.

He was born April 25, 1924, in Lindenau, Ukraine. Three weeks after his birth he fled Ukraine with his parents Frank and Aganetha Wiens and four siblings. The family settled on a farm on the Red River in Glenlea, Manitoba. Henry learned to work hard on the farm, but he also had many fond memories of swimming in the river, playing hockey, enjoying youth events and even barn dances.

He was baptized at the Glenlea Mennonite Church on June 11, 1944, and throughout the years he served the church in many capacities. He modeled for his family that regular attendance and service were an important part of Christian life.

He married Mary Warkentin on June 28, 1947, and they started a farm implement dealership in Glenlea. He was an entrepreneur and the business thrived. They raised three children, Irene, Harold, and Anita during those busy years as the business expanded. Later farming was added to the mix. He was always involved in the lives of his children and later his grandchildren. He was concerned for their well-being, both physical and spiritual.

Henry was always looking for deals, which led to adventures like long-distance farming in Pine River and being a homeowner in Florida where they spent many winter months in the sunny south. Here they hosted many friends and he learned to golf, which he enjoyed throughout his retirement years.

Henry always liked to “work up a sweat” and he spent many hours landscaping and planting in Glenlea and later in La Salle. He took up the challenge of trimming trees and clearing brush with enthusiasm. The grounds of their homes were always ablaze with the colours of geraniums and petunias.

Family and friends were special and any reason to host a party was a good one. Many enjoyed Sunday afternoon Faspa, coffee on the deck, a gathering in the pool area, or a ride on the Queen Mary.

In 2011 Henry and Mary moved to Lindenwood Estates and he became the caregiver for his beloved wife who had developed Alzheimer’s. He cared for her with much patience and love even after she was moved to a care facility. He regularly brought treats and took her out to the patio.

He will be missed by his children, Irene Ens (Alvin), Harold (Bonita), and Anita Neufeld (Randy), seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren as well as two siblings and many relatives and friends.

He is predeceased by his wife Mary, and one grandson.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Glenlea Mennonite Church, Glenlea, Manitoba, with burial to follow at the church cemetery. To join the family via livestream, please click HERE shortly before the start of the service. Please note that since the service is not at our facility, we cannot guarantee the livestream will be available to replay later. Please contact the church for more information.