Joao "John" Wiens

We celebrate the life and honour the memory of a faithful servant, John Wiens, a man whose journey on this earth began in Bage, Brazil, on June 12, 1936, and came to its earthly end in Woodstock, Ontario, on February 6, 2024. John was called home at the age of 87, departing from this world due to a brain hemorrhage, surrounded by the love of his family at the Woodstock Hospital's palliative care unit.

John was a very wise man best described as loving, faith-filled, and selfless. He was a husband to his cherished wife, Lida, and a devoted father to his children Anna Shantz (Mark), Tina Mayan, Albert Wiens (predeceased) (Petra), Dorli Heeney (John), Regina Dick (Steve). His legacy is also carried on by his grandchildren, Andrew, Justin, Rochelle, Christine, Grant, Geena, Nicholas, Nathan, Abigail, Emma, Josie, Mollie, Jake, Sam, Georgia, and Luke, as well as his 14 great-grandchildren.

John first learned the value of hard work tending to the land alongside his father in the fields of Brazil. His hands were always ready to serve. In November 1969 he journeyed to Canada with his wife, Lida and their 5 children. Starting a new life in Kitchener/Waterloo, he labored with dedication at Uniroyal.  Later he began his career at Olympia installing kitchen cabinets.

After thirty years working in Kitchener/Waterloo, John retired and moved to Ingersoll in 1999 to begin working at Glenroe Farms. He found joy in managing a chicken operation and feeding baby calves. He loved woodworking, was a master carpenter and became a cherished handyman around the farm.

John loved camping and fishing especially at Oastler Lake campground. He found so much joy participating in fishing derbies. He also loved driving his motorhome to Florida for the winters and vacationing in Cuba.

John had a very strong faith in Jesus. He worshipped at Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church and later at Oxford Baptist Church.  He read his Bible with the same passion with which he shared his faith, touching the lives of his children and grandchildren.

As we reflect on the life of John, let us be comforted by the words of his favourite scripture, Psalm 23.  John lived for Christ and ran the great race which now he has won.

Today let us rejoice that John has entered his eternal home.  May his love for life and the Lord continue to inspire us all, and may the seeds of faith he planted grow and flourish in the hearts of those he touched.

A Memorial visitation will take place on Saturday March 16, 2024, from 1 -2 pm followed by a Celebration of Life in the chapel at Brock and Visser Funeral Home (845 Devonshire Ave 519-539-0004)

The family would like to thank all the hardworking PSW caregivers, the Alzheimer’s Society, and the compassionate staff in the Palliative unit at the Woodstock General Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations to Woodstock General Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Society are appreciated.