ELMER RICHARD WIEBE

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ELMER RICHARD WIEBE Elmer Richard Wiebe died peacefully on Sunday, March 25, 2007 at the age of 76 after a brief illness, at the Riverview Health Centre. Elmer is survived by his loving wife Linda, their four children, Brian (Shawna), Kathy (Keith), Bernard (Kimberly) and Brent (Annie); grandchildren, Kara (Travis), Korry (Jodine), Kirstin, and Jaden Wiebe, Dylan, Laura, and Kaitlin Stansfield, Matthew and Simon Wiebe and David and Katrina Wiebe, and one grandchild to come, and three great-grandchildren, Ethan, Marissa and Noel. He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters and one brother. Elmer was born on January 29, 1931, the third of eight children. He grew up on the family farm near Homewood, and his passion for farming began early in life. He and Linda were married in 1953 and have farmed in the same area since then, eventually including their three sons. He was an active leader in the church and community, serving as deacon, Sunday School superintendent in the Homewood Mennonite Church and school trustee. He loved music, singing for years in the Morden Men's Choir. Over the years, Elmer also had many health challenges. In his early 30's, with a young family of four children, he lost a kidney, which greatly affected his life. Later he suffered the amputation of his right arm. He met these challenges with the support of Linda, and with an abiding faith that sustained and comforted him. Elmer's joys were simple singing in four part harmony; driving through the mountains; watching the combines come down a beautiful field of wheat; driving a clean car to church on Sunday morning, sitting with his daughter at the piano singing hymns; being followed like a shadow by his young son; enjoying a good meal cooked by Linda; going to church; taking his sons, and later his grandchildren and great-grandchildren on tractor rides; checking the crops on Sunday afternoon; and going for picnics with the family in the Pembina Hills. Even though he did not have an extensive education, he loved to read and studied the Bible diligently. Elmer will be loved and remembered for his tenacity, his joy in laughter and music, and his constant faith in the love and salvation of God through Jesus Christ. We are thankful for his life and for the joy he is experiencing now as he adds his tenor voice to the heavenly choirs. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. at the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, 252 6th Street, Winkler, MB with Pastor Bob Pauls officiating. Interment will take place prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. in the Greenwood Cemetery, Carman. Viewing will take place from Doyle's Funeral Home, Carman, on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The family is grateful to the physicians and nurses of the Health Sciences Centre Surgical Intensive Care Unit and at the Riverview Health Centre for their care and thoughtfulness during Elmer's illness. We appreciate the ongoing prayers and support of family and friends at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, family and friends are welcome to donate to the MCC Canada Foodgrains Bank or to the Kidney Foundation. Doyle's Funeral Home, in care of arrangements. (www.doyleschapels.com)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 28, 2007