CORNELIUS WIEBE

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CORNELIUS WIEBE In the journey of life it is always amazing how the twists of fate work their magic. In this case, the magic is the life of one man, Cornelius Wiebe (Cornie) who touched, influenced and enhanced the lives of countless many during his 77 years. Cornie was born on June 22, 1923 in Neudorf, Russia and he was the oldest of five children born to Cornelius Peter Wiebe and Klara (nee Klassen). Left to celebrate his life and the meaning he brought to their own are his cherished wife and "government" of 52 years, Hilda (nee Kastenschmidt) his daughter Clarie Ann Isbister, her husband John Isbister, as well as his son Michael (Bernie) and his life partner Jacquie Seipp. The ones fortunate enough to have known him as an adoring and totally indulging grandfather are Nealian, Nicole, Mara and Zanna. Direct family members including his brother-in-law Gunther and his wife Brigitte; his sisters, Klara and Maria with their husbands, Albert and Martin in Germany and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins in Canada and Germany also had the good fortune to share in Cornies life, love and kindness. Cornie was predeceased by his father Cornelius Peter Wiebe in 1945 and his mother Klara in 1988. Cornie successfully faced many challenges during his years and while others would have crumbled, he thrived as each in turn helped to mold and burnish his character. This started with the loss of a privileged childhood when the Russian government confiscated the family business, arrested his father and exiled his mother with the children to Siberia in 1938. Notwithstanding this turmoil, his childhood stories reflected the fun of stolen watermelons, bare feet and touching the new fangled electricity wire when it came to the village. Cornie was swept up by the Second World War as part of the Russian Army but his wits and luck enabled him to survive even though he suffered several serious wounds. Near wars end he realized that life under the same regime that stole his father and heritage would be intolerable. In an act of ingenuity, courage and guile he switched uniforms to become a German soldier in order to become a prisoner of war and gain his post-war freedom. After the war he was working for a farmer when he met his darling Hilda, who didnt like him at first. After giving in to his persistent advances they began to date and were married February 7, 1948. Soon they agreed that there as little future in Germany at the time and so in 1949 they embarked on a new adventure by immigrating to Canada. It can be said that they truly loved each other for all of their years together and danced through life in a way that few others have the pleasure of enjoying. After stints working on a farm in Steinbach and a logging camp in Northern Ontario they moved to Winnipeg after running into a childhood friend of Cornies during a visit. Several construction jobs convinced Cornie that the only way to satisfy his desire to build a better life was to be in control. This led him to form a partnership with two childhood friends and so was born Wiebe and Breul Plastering. In 1964 Cornie struck off on his own forming C. Wiebe Plastering & Stucco. He built it into a successful company that he sold in 1984. However, retirement proved too boring and soon he was back at work part-time until he finally hung up his trowel in 1999. Cornie was a dedicated husband and father who consistently sought to build a better life for his family. Even though his work consumed a lot of time he always found the energy to contribute to a loving family life. This included going on trips, Sunday morning fishing trips to Lac du Bonnet and countless other contributions. He loved working on special projects to keep busy including continuous rec room construction, cleaning the garage and walking the dogs to exhaustion. Cornie and Hilda made Winnipeg their home but together they exercised a wanderlust that carried them throughout Europe, the United States, Mexico and Hawaii. He was also active at church volunteering in a number of capacities. Cornie lived life to the fullest and made the most of every day. This included his closing days and the battle with cancer. Cornie was diagnosed in early March of this year and told he had no more than two months. Well the doctors didnt understand who they were dealing with. Cornie stretched two months into seven and was active to the last week. Even when he couldnt get out of bed anymore he didnt give in. He continued to exude style, grace and nobility combined with a sense of humour that typified his entire life. His calm acceptance of lifes challenges and transitions was summed up when he announced it was "getting time for him to mosey on". The world is truly richer for his having passed this way and congratulations to those who had the good fortune to know him. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 1 at the First Mennonite Church on Notre Dame and Alverstone. Viewing Thursday, August 31 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson Hwy., and at the church prior to the service. Interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Health Sciences Centre Cancer Wing or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 31, 2000