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The Life and Times
of
Peter Peter Wiens
| From Russia |  |
 |
To Canada |
© 2004 Derksen-Wiens.com
In Memory
Of
Peter Peter Wiens
January 17, 1908 to September 25, 1961
Produced by
Naomi Wiens Kapplehoff
With the co-operation of
Everyone who willingly
Shared their memories
About a special man in
Their lives
So that other can gain
A better understanding of
His place in their lives.
Together you have kept his
Name from becoming just
Another name
In a family tree.
December, 1992
Revised March 2004
This is dedicated to
My younger two sisters
Melita Wiens Kudel
And
Blondina Wiens Funk
Who retain few precious memories
Of their father
And to
Each one of his descendents
Who never had the opportunity to
Meet him but wished they could have.
Introduction
Recently I received an email from my daughter in the military. She had the honor of participating at the burial of a 43 year old officer on her base. At the burial, the flag covering the coffin is properly folded and presented to the family. During this time the appropriate music is played followed by a 21 gun salute.
There were many nice words said about this particular officer. In listening to the words said about this young father and husband, she wondered what people would say about her after she died.
This has led me to do some thinking about legacies and what kind of legacy I will leave for my family. The dictionary defines the word 'legacy' as something that is passed down from one generation to another. This can come in the form of a material gift or something immaterial. Other words that are synonymous include heritage, tradition and inheritance.
Each of is in the process of creating our own legacy. It may be in the material goods that we leave behind or it may be in what our contributions to the lives of our loved ones. Did we tell them that we loved them? Did we treat them with respect? Did we tell them the good news about Jesus? Or did we disregard their feelings and needs putting our own feelings above theirs? In short did what we contribute to the lives of those around us, stand the test of time? The life of Peter Wiens was no different. In the Life and Times of Peter P. Wiens, I have tried in my own way to give an accounting of his life - who he was and what he meant to others. He was a man blessed with many gifts - blessings he freely shared with others. His involvements were many - pioneer, brother, husband, father, friend to all, a jack of all trades, and even an inventor.
The most important factor about his life was that he knew without a doubt where his final home would be and he was ready to go. In the writing and revising of this document, it is my hope and desire that you would meet the man, Peter Peter Peter Wiens, and learn about where he came from, what he became and appreciate once again the spiritual legacy that he left behind.
Naomi Kapplehoff
Just as our decisions affect the lives of future generations, the lives and choices of our great grandparents helped shape the life of Peter Wiens. Now that I have your full attention, let me explain. It began some 572 years before his birth, around the year 1536, with Menno Simons's decision to leave the Catholic church. Travel back in time with me as we explore both Russian and church history, and how it influenced Peter's life which in turn enabled him to make some important life changing decisions, which have granted us liberties that today we tend to take for granted. Therefore, if you would, please climb aboard the time machine and come with me to begin our journey back to the year 572 A.D. and a man called Menno Simons.
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