Obituary of Jacob Wiens

We are here grieving the lost of our father Jacob D. Wiens, who passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. At the age of 86 years, 9 months, and 25 days.

Jacob (our dad) was born to Johann and Anna “nee Dueck” Wiens on October 27, 1937 in Chaco, Paraguay. His father passed away when dad was at the age of 5 years old. After he lost his father, he had to be raised in a foster care for the rest of his growing up years.

Dad got Baptist at the age 21. Then on August 23, 1959, dad and our mom Justina “nee Froese” got married and together they had 14 children. Dad and mom had a hard and poor life in Chaco, Paraguay. In 1975 they made a huge move to Canada with 11 children.

Dad lived a hard life. He was a fighter for a better life and fought to the very end.

He is survived by his current wife Agneta “nee Froese”, six sons, three daughters; John (Nettie), Cornie (Helen), David, Willie (Trudie), Henry (Renebeth), Lisa (Gary), Anna (Georg), Maria (Owen), George (Rebecca) 28 grandchildren, and 46 great-grandchildren, one brother and one sister and their families. And five step children and their families.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Justina (our mother), second wife Anna (nee Fehr); four sons; first Peter, second Peter, Abe, Erdman, one daughter Helena, one granddaughter and one great-grandson. As well as by three brothers and four sisters.

On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, dad was admitted into the Steinbach Hospital. Dad was suffering from heart condition, poor lungs and kidney failure. August 17th was the last day Dad was having a conversation with the family. Sunday and Monday, Dad was sleeping basically all day. Although Dad did still recognize us there when he was awake. Tuesday during the day he was very alert again until around 6:00 p.m. when his condition deteriorated. On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 2:00 a.m. is when the Lord had called him home.

As a family we only lived at a few places until he settled to become a farmer and that was his passion. Two years ago, he decided to sell the farm house and move closer to Steinbach, where he stayed till his end. He wanted to stay at home with his wife and refused to go into an assisted living. He enjoyed company and never refused a visit from anyone.

A special thank you to the staff at Bethesda Regional Health Centre for the excellent care they provided for our father. We also thank Birchwood Funeral Chapel for helping us through this difficult time. A thank you to all of those who have supported and prayed for Dad and our family.

Dad, we all love you and we will miss you. Until we meet again.

The viewing will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., followed by a devotional at 8:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. To join the family via livestream, please click HERE shortly before the service. 

The funeral service will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at New Bothwell Sommerfeld Mennonite Church, New Bothwell, MB., with interment to follow at the church cemetery.