Henry Edward Wiens

1918 – 1982

Henry Edward Wiens of Yarrow, B.C. passed away on June 17th 1982 He was born on April 21, 1918 at Omsk Oblast, Russia to Johann & Katherine (Peters) Wiens and immigrated to Canada in 1927.

Henry attended the Coaldale, Alberta Bible School in 1938-1939 and moved to Yarrow with his parents in 1940.

He served in the Conscientious Objectors Camp at Lake Louise, Alberta in 1941 and on May 21, 1944, he married Sara Balzer.




In the 1950’s he began a small sawmill and remained active in it’s operation until his death.

He was predeceased by his brother Jacob only 10 days earlier. He is survived by his wife Sara; children Jim & Olga of Yarrow; Robert & Laura, Sardis; Linda, serving with MCC in Ethiopia; Alvin & Margie of Yarrow; Reginald of Chilliwack, B.C. and Dorothy and Betty at home; and three grandchildren.

Henry Wiens’ funeral was held June 24th in the Yarrow Mennonite Brethren Church with pastor Abe Klassen ministering.

Burial was at Yarrow Cemetery.




Sarah Wiens

1920 – 2009

Sarah Balzer Wiens died Nov. 1, 2009 due to complications following a car accident.

She was born Dec. 21, 1920 in Pleshanovo, Neu Samara, Russia to Henry and Sara (Neumann) Balzer. In 1925, she immigrated to Canada with her family, settling in the town of Colonsay, Sask.

At 19, she moved to Yarrow, B.C. She worked as a domestic maid in Vancouver during the summer and attended Yarrow Bible School during the winter. At Bible school, she realized her need for Jesus, and asked him to enter her life. She was baptized July 12, 1942, and joined Yarrow MB Church.

Sarah married Henry Edward Wiens May 21, 1944. She took pride in operating a meticulously clean household, in keeping her family clothed, and in providing simple nutritious meals – usually on a shoe-string budget.


She also supported her husband in his business ventures. Henry died in 1982. For several years, Sarah worked as a housekeeper, later helping out at her sons’ business. In 1997, she moved to Abbotsford, B.C., but maintained her membership and involvement in Yarrow MB Church.

Sarah was a woman of deep faith who attended church faithfully, sang in the choir, enjoyed the activities and fellowship of the ladies’ group, and prayed daily for her family.

Sarah was predeceased by her husband Henry Wiens in 1982, her parents and 7 siblings

Sarah is mourned by her children Jim (Olga), Linda, Rob (Laura), Alvin (Margie), Reg, Dorothy (Doug), Betty (Roger); 15 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 7 in-laws

Interment was at Yarrow Cemetery.