Wiebe – Beloved Husband, Dad, and Opa, Eckardt Wiebe went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Thursday January 13, 2022 at the age of 84. After coping with health issues for 2 years, he passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Eckardt is survived by his loving wife of almost 59 years, Ute; 4 children: Frank (Wendy), Marlene (Kevin), Brian (Kathy) and Krista (Mark); and 8 grandchildren: Triston, Ben, Alexandra, Rebecca, Daniel, Miranda (Mike), Britney and Brandon. Eckardt was looking forward to becoming a Great Opa in March. He is also survived by his brother Helmut (Irma) Wiebe; brother-in-law Peter (Jean) Froese; and sisters-in-law Gertrude Friz, Sandi Froese, Hannelore Wiebe and Annie Riva Wiebe. Eckardt was born on October 20, 1937 in Schoensee, Germany. Immediately after he was born, to his mother’s surprise, he was joined by his twin brother Karl. His first few years of life were enjoyed on the farm, but when the war reached them they were forced to flee their home. In the years after, they faced many hardships including the bombing of their ship, the family being separated, and hunger. After 3 years in an orphanage, Eckardt was reunited with his family by the Red Cross. In 1951, when he was 14, his whole family was able to immigrate to Coaldale, Alberta with the help of Mennonite Central Committee. They worked in the sugar beet fields, and although the work was hard, they were appreciative of life in Canada. After 5 years, Eckardt’s father brought the family to Rosemary, Alberta and bought land. The brothers eventually all acquired their own farms, but continued to work and share machinery together. Ute and her family were also aboard the same ship as Eckardt that came to Canada. The families would come to know each other and years later, Eckardt and Ute fell in love and were happily married in 1963. The marriage was blessed with 4 children, and the next years were filled with many good times. He was a great dad and was very involved in his children’s lives, helping to raise them and always supporting them through the good times and bad. He was thrilled to eventually become an Opa and enjoyed visits with the grandkids. Ute and Eckardt lived on the same farm for all their married life and were grateful to have built a new house in 1976. Because he loved it so much, he kept farming well into his retirement years with the help of his son-in-law Mark. He also loved reading, watching the news, and singing in the choir. With his strong faith, it was a priority to be active in the church community. He loved visiting with friends and family and big celebrations. Eckardt will be remembered for his kindness, good nature, humor, his love of family and his commitment to God. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. With Ute’s love and care, Eckardt was able to stay on the farm during most of his illness. Thank you to all of his caregivers, especially the staff at Bassano Hospital who made his month long stay more comfortable. For these blessings, the family is incredibly grateful. A Family Service will be held at the Rosemary Mennonite Church. Mr. Ben Nickel officiating. Interment to follow at Rosemary Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations can be made in tribute to Eckardt’s generous and giving nature, directly to Mennonite Central Committee Canada, Suite 210, 2946 – 32nd St. NE, Calgary, Alberta T1Y 6J7.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
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