Louise Wiens

1930 - 2018

Louise Wiens, formerly of Coaldale, then Ryley, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Bow Island Health Centre on the early morning of Saturday, June 16, 2018 at the age of 88 years. 

 Relatives and friends were invited to meet with at the Evangelical Free Church, 214 - 4 Avenue West, Bow Island on Saturday, June 23, 2018 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:40 A.M. 

 The Burial Service followed at the Bow Island Cemetery at 11:00 A.M.

 The Funeral Service was held at the Evangelical Free Church, 214 - 4 Avenue West, Bow Island on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. 

 Louise is survived by her children Dave (Ellie) Wiens of Sundre, Walter (Rhonda) Wiens of Bow Island, Arnold (Carolyn) Wiens of Langley, Harvey Wiens of Bow Island and Philip Wiens of Airdrie; seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Margaret (John) Dick, Annie (George) Wall, Mary (Richard) Pflaum; sisters-in-law Helen Funk and Martha Funk as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

 She was predeceased by her husband Jacob Wiens; daughter-in-law Eleanor Wiens; parents Margaretha (nee Klassen) and Jacob Funk; siblings Tina (Henry) Enns, John (Anna) Funk, Helen (Al) Webb and Jake Funk. 

 Louise was born the last of eight children in their farm house along the banks of the Old Man River north of Coaldale. The 1930's were very tough years and the whole family was involved in making a living on the farm, so it’s no surprise that Louise was raised in part by her older sisters. Louise was a hard worker and developed a friendly personality with hearty laughter, which caught the attention of a young immigrant from Paraguay who came to work for them. After a few meetings under the apple tree, Louise consented to marry Jacob Wiens on August 20, 1950. They happily founded a small farmstead south of Coaldale and began raising their family of five boys. They struggled to make a living on the farm so they moved to Coaldale so Jake would get a better paying construction job. In 1961 they moved north to Ryley, Alberta where they bought a great farmstead on which to raise their boys. They built up a beautiful herd of dairy cows, along with chickens, hogs, beef cattle and grain. Their humble beginnings helped them greatly appreciate their new found prosperity. Louise and Jake were a couple of strong faith. They were both actively involved in many church activities both in Tofield and later in Ryley. They were both very instrumental in the start up of the Good News Community Church in Ryley and continued to host a regular bible study in their home. Louise was well known for her bountiful and beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Many neighbors, friends and family appreciated the unselfish hospitality and the awesome meals that came from her kitchen. As age finally took its toll, Jake and Louise moved to Pleasant View Lodge in Bow Island to be closer to family. Louise, with her loving, caring, friendly personality will be greatly missed by us all. 

 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Louise’s name may be made directly to Samaritans Purse, Samaritan's Purse Canada, 20 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary, Alberta T3J 5H5 (www.samaritanspurse.ca), an organization which Louise supported.

 Louise's family would like to sincerely thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Pleasant View Lodge and the Bow Island long term care facility for their gracious, loving care extended to Louise.