JAKE WIENS

1928 – 2013
Jacob Wiens, formerly of Ryley, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the Bow Island Health Centre on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at the age of 84 years.  
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Evangelical Free Church, 214 – 4 Avenue West, Bow Island on Sunday, April 21, 2013 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
A private family burial service will be held at the Bow Island Cemetery prior to the funeral service.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Evangelical Free Church, 214 – 4 Avenue West, Bow Island on Monday April 22, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Roger Lobb officiating. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at www.southlandfuneral.com.
Jake will be missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of sixty two years, Louise; their children Dave (Ellie) Wiens of Turner Valley, Walter (Rhonda) Wiens of Bow Island, Arnold (Carolyn) Wiens of Langley, Harvey Wiens of Bow Island and Philip Wiens of Airdrie; grandchildren Audrey (Marty) Wells, Becky (Vance) Mowatt, Julene (Steve) Reimer, Jeremy (Stacey) Wiens, Janelle (Brian) Tuntland, Christie (Morgan) Meents and Brett Wiens; great grandchildren Brianna Wells, Jody Wells, Kaden Mowatt, Raya Mowatt, Abby Reimer, Joel Reimer, Nell Reimer, Kamryn Wiens, Ella Wiens and Lincoln Wiens. He is also survived by his brothers Abe (Elizabeth) Wiens, Ernest (Linda) Wiens, Erwin (Lorraine) Wiens; sisters Elizabeth (Henry) Kornelson, Helen (Reinhold) Fast and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Liese (nee Neufeld) and Isaac Wiens and daughter-in-law Eleanor Wiens.
Jake was born the second of six children in Shumanovk, Russia during tremendous government oppression. In 1930, his father Isaac led an escape for his family out of Siberia across the Amur River into China. After two years of seeking a place of freedom, the family ended up in Paraguay. Jake often talked and reminisced about his exciting childhood and youth on the Paraguayan cattle ranch. After sixteen years on the ranch, the family again moved, this time to Coaldale, where Jake met and married Louise Funk. Being an immigrant and not speaking English at that time had its challenges as he worked in construction and farm labor. Jake and Louise found peace and prosperity when they moved to a farm south of Ryley in 1960 which was a great place to raise their five boys.
Jake was a man of strong faith. He was actively involved in church activities as Sunday school teacher, church board member and kids club teacher both in Tofield and Ryley. Jake and Louise were very instrumental in the startup of the Good News Community Church in Ryley. His character revealed to those who knew him that his faith was real.
He loved building and in his semi retirement, was able to help his brothers build several barns. He also renovated and built homes for a number of his neighbors around Ryley. Jake loved gardening and was proud of his apple trees. Many friends and neighbors were able to benefit from their abundant garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Jake’s name may be made directly to the Crossroad Christian Communication, 100 Huntley Street, 1295 North Service Road, Burlington, Ontario L7P 4X5.
Jake’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Pleasant View Lodge and the Bow Island Health Centre for their gracious care and friendship extended to Jake and Louise this past year.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: 1-888-223-0116.