Lavina Wiebe

Lavina Dueck Wiebe was born to John P. and Anna Penner Dueck on May 20, 1937, in Steinbach, Manitoba. She peacefully slipped away in the early morning hours, with family around her, on February 1, 2022, Saltcoats, Saskatchewan.

Lavina was one of eight children. She lost her mother at six years of age. Her father then married Katherine Penner. She grew up in the Greenland community, receiving her education at the Montezuma School. The Lord called her to be his child. She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on November 2, 1949, by her father, Minister John P. Dueck. She cherished this faith, and the church was always precious to her. She grew up on a farm and learned values that served her throughout her life. Lavina enjoyed working at the sewing factory in Steinbach. This contributed to her passion for sewing.

On May 3, 1959, she was joined in marriage to me, Denver Wiebe, at Greenland, Manitoba. This happy day was shared in a double wedding with her brother, Vernon and Emily Dueck.  We moved to our farm south of Elma, Manitoba, soon after we were married. Lavina accepted the responsibility of being a minister’s wife when I was ordained on November 24, 1963.

In March of 1968, Dad and Mom and their three children, headed to Mexico to serve in the mission effort for six years. Together they faced the challenges and adventures with resiliency. They learned the language and loved the people. Endearing, lifelong friendships were formed. Mom learned the fine art of cooking Mexican cuisine which has remained a favorite of our family and others.

In the Fall of 1979, Dad and Mom relocated to a farm near Bredenbury, Saskatchewan. Memories were made as we did many things together, including trips and pasture breakfasts. Mom dearly loved and accepted each of the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as they joined the family.

Mom was blest for her spirit of service and fortitude. She tirelessly cared for Jason and his special needs. She often found inspiration while growing lovely flowers and tending her gardens. Mom taught us the satisfaction of a job well done, working shoulder to shoulder with us. Dad and Mom’s love for others touched people they were with, including those they met while in Africa, Montreal and St. Mary’s.

It was difficult to see Mom suffer the effects of dementia. We thank the staff at Lakeside Manor Care Home for the excellent care given to Mom during the four years she resided there. 

Those left to cherish fond memories are her loving husband, Denver, and children: Myron and Twila, Charlene and Don Barkman, Laurel and Heidi, Bredenbury, Saskatchewan, Becky and Justin Toews, Stanton, Iowa, Brenda and Branden Troyer, Wooster, Ohio, Darla and Connor Elliott, Cromer, Manitoba; twenty-five grandchildren and twenty-nine great grandchildren; one brother, Leonard and Irma Dueck and sisters-in-law: Lydia Mae Dueck, Emily Dueck, and Carol Dueck. Denver’s family: Iris and Peter Goossen, Mildred and Ron Wohlgemuth, Virgil and Delma Wiebe, Anna Marie and Jesse Kanagy, Lyle and Polly Wiebe, Jennie Wiebe, Violet and Craig Hodgson, and Harlen and Sonia Wiebe.

Those gone before are: her son, Jason, her parents, her parents-in-law, brothers; Harold, Vernon, and Wilmer; sisters Ella, Leona, and Myrtle; brothers-in-law; Herbert, Alvin, and Jonas; sister-in-law; Della.

A Funeral Service for Lavina Wiebe, age 84 years of Lakeside Manor Saltcoats, beloved wife of Denver Wiebe, was held on Sunday at 10:30 am from the Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church.

Interment followed in the Church of God in Christ Mennonite Cemetery.

For more information or to send a condolence to the family of Lavina Wiebe, please visit www.ChristiesFuneralHome.com

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