On December 5, 1982, Douglas and Helen Wiebe joyfully welcomed Jonathan into the world to join his older brother Justin. Over the next eleven years, Jonathan and Justin were joined by siblings Benjamin, Kristen, and Casey. Life on the farm was always busy. Jon spent much of his growing up years learning perseverance, hard work, and diligence through working cattle, hoeing shattercane, and doing many other farm-related tasks alongside his dad and brothers. Every summer, Jon eagerly looked forward to his week-long break from farm work to attend Camp Good News in Ark City. Jon greatly appreciated the beauty around him. He often stopped to admire God’s mighty power displayed through His creation of sunrises, sunsets, and flowers – frequently gathering bouquets of flowers to share with his mom. Though he worked hard outside, he also enjoyed baking for the special people in his life. Jon’s specialty was making cinnamon rolls, breads, and biscuits with gravy. Other times, Jon showed his love for his family and friends by writing them special notes with words of affirmation.
Growing up in a family who prioritized their Christian faith, Jon trusted Jesus as his personal Savior at the young age of 4. After hearing a moving sermon at Emmaus Church, Jon was convicted of his sins and his need for a Savior. Over the next several weeks, God worked to soften Jon’s hardened, stubborn heart, drawing Jon to Himself. Jon’s parents helped him understand that Jesus died on the cross and rose again, conquering the eternal punishment he deserved for his sins. With the guidance of his parents, Jon accepted Christ into his life, acknowledging Christ as his Savior.
Jon attended Berean Academy kindergarten through high school. Through his biblical education at Berean, Jon’s faith in God grew through the influence and teaching of godly teachers and staff. He graduated from Berean in May 2002. After his senior year of high school, Jon spent a summer doing ministry at Victory Bible Camp in Alaska. Jon went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Once he graduated college, Jon returned to Whitewater and became deeply involved in ministries at Emmaus Church, especially the Emmaus missions committee.
After a very long “friendship” and pursuit of Staci Ranfeld, Jon and Staci were married on March 18, 2017. After their marriage, Jon and Staci moved to Ingalls where they became the owners and operators of Cattle Country Feeders, Inc. Staci and Jon had a heart for children in hard places. During their seven years of marriage, Jon and Staci fostered sixteen children, adopting eight of those children as their own. Jon unconditionally loved his children and enjoyed spending time with them. As a father, Jon desired to pass on a love for Jesus to his children. He worked to instill godly character traits into his children through the times they spent together. Jon prioritized family devotions and praying together as a family. Special memories were made helping daddy process cattle, going on daddy-dates with his girls, checking cattle in the pasture, playing Jenga, making special Saturday pancakes together, and running from the “Mighty T-Rex.” Jon enjoyed the last year of living life together with his family 24/7, a perk of having decided to homeschool. As an adult, Jon still appreciated the beauty of flowers, an appreciation that lives on in his boys. Every spring, Jon planted an array of zinnias in front of their house. Throughout the spring and summer months, the Wiebe table was rarely without a bouquet of zinnias that Jon had picked for Staci. Acts of service and gifts were a major way he showed his love for his family. Jon made everyone he crossed paths with feel welcomed and at ease. His attentive and listening ear, engaging smile, crazy teasing, and boisterous laughter will be remember by all who knew him.
Ministry was important to Jon. After moving to Ingalls, he became a very involved member of the Pierceville Federated Church. CEF Camp Good News continued to be a big part of Jon’s summers. After counseling at camp for countless years, he and Staci became directors of Camp Good News for the past 8 years. Through that ministry “Uncle” Jon touched the lives of hundreds of children.
On June 21, 2024, due to medical complications, Jon left this earth and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior. Jon will be greatly missed by his wife, Staci Wiebe; his eight children - Poe, Andrew, Moses, Lily, Bonnie, Silas, Brock & Asher; his parents Douglas & Helen Wiebe of Whitewater; his three brothers - Justin & Carissa Wiebe of Whitewater, Benjamin & Shandra Wiebe of Burns, and Casey & Ellie Wiebe of Whitewater; his sister Kristen & Ben Bielenberg of Blue Mound; his brother-in-law Wesley & Marcy Ranfeld of Whitewater; his sister-in-law Shawna & Thad Wysong of Columbia City, Indiana; his parents-in-law - Kelly & Phyllis Ranfeld of Whitewater; and his many nieces and nephews.
Jon’s eternal home is secure in Heaven because of his faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection. John 5:24 “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes on him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death into life.”
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 Saturday at Ingalls High School Gymnasium with Pastor Ben Bielenberg officiating. Burial will be in Pierceville Cemetery in Pierceville. The family invites everyone back to the Ingalls High School for a meal and time of sharing after the burial. Friends may call from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday with family present from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. For those unable to attend the Friday calling, there will be a brief viewing immediately prior to the service on Saturday. Memorials are suggested to Camp Good News or Wiebe Children’s Education Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Visit www.garnandfuneralhomes.com to leave condolences or watch the service via livestream.