Cornelius Wiebe

Mr. Cornelius Wiebe, age 83, passed away August 21 at The Meadows, Clover House. Cornelius C Wiebe was born August 24, 1936 in Swift Current, SK to Justina & Jacob Wiebe. He lived a life of love and laughter. Together, he and his wife Doreen worked hard to provide a good home for themselves and their five boys. “I think mom worked overtime!” Says their sons with laughter while recalling their childhood, “Growing up for us boys was so much fun, and we cherish the memories we all have and continue to make.” Corey was always there for those he loved.

His working years covered many skills, and he was exceptional at everything he did. It was great fun for the family when he would fire up the tractor and hitch up an old car hood that the kids would all jump onto just to get pulled around the yard really fast. “I asked him to teach me how to back up the tractor pulling the Nobel blade once. Well, he taught me, and then showed off by doing figure 8's in reverse throttle wide open, can you imagine! Oh, and one more thing, he could rip the skin off a baseball when he connected it with a bat. If only a scout would have driven past our farm while he was playing 500 with us in the field...I think his jaw would've dropped!” (Dave Wiebe)

He was a stereotypical farm boy through and through, even after having moved into the city. He loved the days of farming and there wasn't anything he couldn't do, fix, or handle. Life was fun during all seasons for him. Vacationing and fishing in the summer months smoothly transitioned into less vacationing and more [ice] fishing in the winter. “He did go golfing with Harold and Wilf, which was a surprise, and Mom tells me it was only once and not his cup of tea. Guess he didn't like the size of the bat!”

Cornelius and his wife, Doreen, were like peas in a pod. They enjoyed life together; travelling whenever they had the chance, visiting friends, hosting gatherings during holidays, and leading by example that family always comes first. Socializing with friends and relatives was frequent and filled with music. Cornelius loved that Doreen always knew how to bring the music home. They built a home that was rich with melodies, memories, laughter, love, and joy. There was never a dull moment in the Wiebe house.

He was not only devoted to his wife and family, he was devoted to God and the Church they attended, Zion Mennonite. Teaching his family values through the Christian beliefs was something he did well. He also taught his children the basics of mechanics and carpentry; although his sons will tell that the most important lesson he taught was to never say “I can't.”

“A hobby of dad’s was always coin collecting and it was always fun to see what he would collect,” says  one his sons, “Though in his retirement years, his hobby turned towards bigger, greener things built by John Deere.”

He was very close to his late brothers and late brothers-in-law, Jake, Pete, and Clarence. He was also very close to his sister, Margaret (Clarence) Johnston, whom he is survived by along with sisters-in-law, Mary (Jake) and Elva (Pete).  He was also close with the huge family he gained when marrying Doreen, including Clarence, Betty, Sibyl, Sonja, Gord, Wells, and Floyd just to name a few, along with their partners, Elaine, Jim, Harold, Lucian, Eileen, Ruth...and many more on that side of the family. His friends were many and his face would light up with a smile even to just say hello. He always had time for everyone and had a very special relationship with each and everyone he loved, which is a long list!
He left this earth after a life filled with experiences that he felt lucky to have. We miss him dearly. As we gather in this world to celebrate his life, he is being welcomed into his after life by those that left before him. This time is filled with sadness but also of joy to have known him.  

The Private Funeral Service for Cornelius Wiebe was held on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 2:00 pm from Zion Mennonite Church, Swift Current, SK with Rev. Herman Wiebe and Rev. Lois Bukar officiating. “Onward Christian Soldiers,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Rock of Ages” were sung by the congregation, with Grace Funk serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Dave Wiebe, who sang “Amazing Grace.” Tributes were given by Margaret Johnson, Wade Wiebe, and Lyle Wiebe. A photo presentation was given by the family. The ushers in the church were Don Lancer and Don Yoland. The Interment Service was held following the Funeral Service from the Schantzenfeld Cemetery, Schantzenfeld, SK with Conner Wiebe, Nick Wiebe, Zachary Wiebe, Ashley Kallecky, Colton Wiebe, and Nick Wiebe serving as Pallbearers. In memory of Cornelius Wiebe, donations made to the MCC would be appreciated by the family.

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