Rodney Glenn WIENS

It is with incredible sadness that the family of Rodney Glenn Wiens announce his passing on March 26, 2022 at the University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton at the age of 59 years.

Rod was born on December 2, 1962 at the Rosetown Hospital to parents Arthur and Leila (Schmidt) Wiens. Rod was the third of four children, growing up near Herschel on the family farm.  He attended school in Herschel, Rosetown, and Rosthern Junior College.  He continued his education at Canadian Mennonite Bible College, and the University of Saskatchewan, where he got a degree in Agriculture and Economics.   Rod married Laurie (Friesen) on January 5, 1991.  They then moved to the family farm where they raised their four children: Matthew, Meghan, Ryan, and Amy.  

Rod had a passion for politics, history, leadership, and community.  In addition to farming, he got involved in many local and wider organizations. He served several years as a Wheat Pool delegate, and later as a member of their board. He was elected as Reeve for the R.M. of Mountain View and served on the SARM Board of Directors.  He was also involved with his community and church, as a member of the Rosetown CO-OP Board, Herschel Rink Committee, Ancient Echoes Board, the Canadian Mennonite Board, and the Shekinah Retreat Centre Board. He taught Sunday School, and served as Church Chairman for several years.  Rod had a love for sports.  He played hockey, ball, curled for several years, and loved to watch sports on TV. 

Through his varied involvements, Rod formed many connections and friendships. He made friends easily, and spoke with a voice of reason and integrity. Rod had a way of really listening to others before expressing his opinions, and his insights were valued and respected.  He deeply loved his family, and was involved in their lives - he coached hockey, attended numerous recitals, concerts, games, and many hours were spent driving to activities.  Larger family circles were important to him - he loved visiting at family gatherings.  Rod was a faithful attendee of coffee row in Herschel and valued the many friendships he had, both at home and further away.  The family cabin at Pike Lake became a favourite spot - Rod loved golfing and meeting the neighbors, who also inevitably became good friends.  

Rod farmed until his health started to deteriorate. He was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis in 2015 and underwent a liver transplant in the spring of 2016.   He was put on the list for another transplant after recurrent complications arose in the years following the first surgery.  He underwent his second liver transplant on Dec. 27, 2021 with the hope of regaining his health. Throughout his disease and his many hospital stays, Rod didn’t complain and often put on a brave face when asked about his health. Even the medical staff adored him. After this second transplant, Rod suffered many complications, and passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on March 26, 2022. 

 Rod is survived by his loving wife Laurie, son Matthew (Craig Friesen), daughter Meghan (Isaac Winterfeld), son Ryan, daughter Amy, as well as his siblings Dennis (Joanne) Wiens, Mel (Wilma) Wiens, Carolyn McDonald, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Rod was predeceased by an infant son Nehemiah Kayne Wiens, and by his parents Arthur and Leila Wiens.  He will be missed dearly by family and friends, near and far. 

A Celebration of Rodney's Life was held on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Herschel Ebenfeld Mennonite Church with Pastor Gary Peters officiating. A video recording of the service is available below. 

Memorial donations may be directed to Shekinah Retreat Centre, P.O. Box 490, Waldheim, SK, S0K 4R0 or to Ancient Echoes Interpretive Centre, P.O. Box 40, Herschel, SK, S0L 1L0.