Delmer D Wiebe

Delmer Dean Wiebe was born and given the name Richard Dean Davis on November 24, 1934, at Mercy Hospital in Arkansas City, Kansas to parents Georgia Mae Hugill and Richard William Davis. Georgia died 6 days later from peritonitis. At 7 ½ months gestation and 4 lb. 4 oz., he and his twin brother, Delbert Gene Wiebe, spent the first 30 days of their existence in an incubator along with another 60 days at the hospital, eventually being discharged on 2/20/1935. Their father had difficulties managing a pair of twin baby boys and working, so he eventually surrendered the boys to Kansas Children’s Service League on 9/24/1935. During the next 15 months, health problems stemming from the temporary care providers resulted in two more hospital stays, however, good news lay on the horizon. On 12/23/1936, Jacob and Agathe Wiebe, of Whitewater, Kansas, adopted the twin boys, providing both with an early Christmas gift. Years later, we often celebrated Christmas together on that day.

Delmer’s working years began early in life. He helped his father and brother on their dairy farm, did custom baling, delivering milk to school on the bus (which he found embarrassing), and general farm work occupied his high school years. Delmer noticed his future bride, Eleanor Ruth Busenitz, while they were in high school at Berean Academy. Delmer was a senior and Eleanor was a freshman. Their first outing was a double date with Delbert and Hazel in February 1957. They had many double dates thereafter, taking advantage of their identical looks to confuse Eleanor and Hazel on who was who. Around this time, Delmer and his brother joined a majority of other Mennonite men of similar age and registered as conscientious objectors, eventually leading to a two year term of humanitarian service in Paraguay, South America where they joined many other “Pax Boys” from around the country. Just prior to leaving, Delmer and Eleanor were engaged, leading to a two year, long-distance relationship. In Paraguay, Delmer’s primary work assignment was to assist with the construction of the Trans Chaco Road, operating heavy equipment for the clearing of a highway through the “hunting land”. This led to many adventures and friendships which were told and retold throughout the remainder of his life. They returned home to their waiting fiances on September 20, 1959. Delmer and Eleanor were married on November 27, 1959. During the next 8 years, four children were born to this union: Lenora Ruth (1960), Wesley Dean (1962), Dale H (1964) and Deloise Ann (1967).

Farming was what Delmer loved, but necessity required him to work off the farm as well. He experienced a variety of jobs throughout his life: driving fertilizer trucks, maintaining township roads, crop research farming, and a mechanic for Neumans in Whitewater. Delmer and Eleanor were also church custodians at Emmaus Church until the church burned in 2008. Later, he operated a small engine repair shop at home. His meticulous, mechanical mindset never left him as evidenced by his attempts to fix his own air conditioner during a short stay at Paramount Nursing Home while the repairmen were on break, insisting that his grandson grease his mower properly, and his eye for seeing anything that was not working to his satisfaction.

Delmer loved music and spent many years singing baritone with the Farmer’s Quartet. The group sang regularly at area nursing homes, churches and community events. He loved playing his harmonica, and after his years with the quartet, he organized a harmonica ensemble that played in church.

Delmer had a sense of humor that we loved. The stories he told of dissecting birds they found on the way to school, harmless pranks they pulled, taking the opportunities that being an identical twin offered, and many other things kept meal times full of laughter. He especially enjoyed relating these happenings to his grandchildren, much to the chagrin of their parents.

Delmer lived by Ps. 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God”. He understood that God was in control, and that gave him a calmness in life’s challenges. He learned to be content with what he had. He noticed the smallest of life’s details and took time to enjoy them. Delmer loved people. Relationships were important to him, often taking time to visit those he crossed paths with. He had the ability to enjoy other people’s success.

Delmer and Eleanor worked together very well. He knew what it meant to truly love and care for his wife, and this was especially evident in the later years as her health declined. He loved his children, then his grandchildren, and eventually his great grandchildren. Dad was very loyal and often conveyed his appreciation to us. “You’re the best! You made my day! Stay young like you are! Thanks for all you do for me! I love you!” were often words we heard as we ended a visit with him. He loved and welcomed his son and daughter-in-laws and grandson and granddaughter-in-laws as one of his own and often told them how thankful he was for them. His gifts to his family were not large (by the world’s standards), but they were consistent and given with a heart full of love. 

Delmer understood what was important in life and lived by those principals. Delmer’s foundation for life was the relationship he had with Jesus! At a revival meeting in Whitewater during his high school years, he recognized that he was a sinner and that Jesus had died for him. It was then that he accepted Christ as his Savior. He was baptized and became a member of Emmaus Church, where he remained a faithful member until his death.

After his beloved wife passed away on September 3, 2021, Delmer remained on the farm until July 2023. He then moved to a smaller property he owned, close to where he grew up and in close proximity to Lenora’s family.

Last Sunday, Delmer spent the noon meal and afternoon doing what he loved to do, eating and being with his family, conveying his love, and reminding us that we had made his day. On Monday morning, October 14, Jesus quietly and unexpectedly took Delmer Home, welcoming him to Heaven, along with his wife, Eleanor, his parents Jacob and Agathe Wiebe, his twin brother, Delbert, and his grandson, Kameron Wiebe.

Those who will miss him most are his children, Lenora (Lyle) Wiebe, Whitewater, KS; Wesley (Sandy) Wiebe, Willis, TX; Dale (Cheryl) Wiebe, The Woodlands, TX; Deloise Wiebe, Wichita, KS; his grandchildren, Krista (Kevin) Friesen, Kendal (Denise) Wiebe, Kayla (Daniel) Kornfeld, Karlin (Caroline) Wiebe, Jack Wiebe, Bradley, David and John Wiebe; twelve great grandchildren, sister-in law Hazel Wiebe, Whitewater, KS; Eleanor’s siblings, Edwin Busenitz, Newton, KS; Velma (Donovan) Claassen, Whitewater, KS: Willis (Nadine) Busenitz, Busby, MT; Gladys (Tom) Bender, Gilmer, TX: Frieda (William) Pitts, Oro Valley, AZ; Irvin (Karen) Busenitz, Santa Clarita, CA; and Verna (Del) Unruh, Peabody, KS, as well as many nephews, nieces and friends.