Abe Wiebe

Abraham (Abe) Wiebe passed into glory on July 22nd, 2024 at the MacGregor Care Home at the age of 76 years.

Abe was born on August 3, 1947 in Winkler, MB, he grew up in 1-5 district south of Morden & attended Mason School. He drove Royal Mail Winnipeg to Yorkton, SK, worked at Home Carpet Cleaners in Winnipeg, moved to B.C. in 1968 to pursue a career in flooring installations, he later was in partnership with his brother Jake. During this time he also started playing lead guitar with his sister Anne and her husband and others. He met Joyce in Mission, B.C. in Dec. 1969. They were married Feb. 28, 1970 and welcomed daughter Laura Jeanne, May 20, 1972 followed by Michael Jason June 23, 1974. Abe and family moved to Portage in 1974 and was a partner in Portwest Music along with Ben Toews and his brother John. He worked 3 days a week in store and 2-3 days installing flooring. After a year in the store he went back full time into flooring. 1979 brought another change, a move to MacGregor where a new building was put up to house MacGregor Carpets. He was 25 years in the business.

In Abe’s early years his family all played some. He took that into his early 20’s when he played in bands. Most notably being the “Ranchero’s” in B.C. until the move to Manitoba. In 1975 a group of three was formed called “The Variations.” Abe received Jesus Christ as his personal lord and savior in the early hours of Oct. 1, 1979, and started attending Bethel Church in MacGregor. He took a hiatus from playing for one year, then was asked to play in church. He heard Grant Smith and Wayne Wieler playing together in Austin, went and spoke to them saying he would love to get together sometime and jam, this happened and the next was history “From The Heart” Gospel Music group was formed in 1993. They went out in music ministry playing from Alberta thru Ontario and into North Dakota sometimes playing as many as 9 (nine) engagements a month as well as working full time.  He loved to help out other groups as well, backed many up on their recordings. Grant moved on to form a group with his family and Abe joined with Johnny Wall and Tony & Carol Hiebert to form “By Choice.” Music ministry was an integral part of his life.

Abe had a God given talent for music and inspired and encouraged many people through his music, and influenced some of these musicians to carry on the tradition they have today.

Beyond Abe’s love of music was his family. He loved his family so much, when his family was young he had an opportunity to take his music career to Nashville - Family was where Abe’s heart is and Abe declined this opportunity to go to Nashville.

By God’s Grace, Abe had been blessed to have his wife Joyce of 54 years, a daughter Laura Jeanne, and son Michael Jason.

In fall of 2023, Abe’s health began to decline. Abe had told his family if his health declined his hope was to be close to home in MacGregor, and by God’s grace, this blessing was granted to him. By God’s power, an opening became available at the MacGregor Health Centre, and this is where Abe resided until his passing.

As a family we would like to thank everyone for the calls and prayers. A Special thank you to the staff at the MacGregor Health Centre, for treating Abe like family and the wonderful care that was given to him, also a special thank you to Baker Colony for the love and support being shown though the years. These acts of kindness will never be forgotten.

May the love of the Lord be with you all and may the comfort of Gospel music inspire you all.

Abe is predeceased by father Peter and mother Margaretha (Fehr) Wiebe, infant brother Diedrich, brothers Peter and John, sister Marge, 3 brothers-in-law, 1 sister-in-law.

He will be missed by wife Joyce, daughter Laura (Blane) Cyopeck, Kaitlyn, Nicole, Kaitlyn, Robert, son Michael (Shannon) Calib, Isaiah, Tristan, Paul, Odessa, Sophia, Declan and Ezekial (Zeke), brother Jake (Joyce), sister Anne Bowles, George (Kathy), many nieces, nephews and cousins.