Kerwin R. Wiebe

Kerwin Wiebe (February 23, 1949—July 4, 2026)

On July 4, 2026 at age 77, Kerwin Roy Wiebe was welcomed into the joy-filled presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Kerwin was born to Alfred and Hedwig Wiebe on February 23, 1949 in Newton, KS and raised with his six siblings on a farm in the rural community of Burns, KS. Growing up, he attended Burns Elementary (Burns, KS), Berean Academy (Elbing, KS), and Grace Bible College (Omaha, NE) where he received a 3-year diploma. At Grace Bible College, Kerwin met Jan through a married couple to whom they were both close (this married couple happened to be Kerwin’s sister and Jan’s brother). They were married on April 2, 1971, and were married 55 years.

The first years of their marriage were spent in Philadelphia, PA, where Kerwin worked with Teen Haven — a youth program focusing on gang ministry and weekend camps for teens living in the inner-city. It was in Philadelphia that Kerwin developed an early interest in carpentry.

Kerwin and Jan moved back to Omaha in 1973. Shortly after that they started building a family, welcoming their sons Matt, Ryan, and Tim into the world.

Upon moving back to Omaha, Kerwin also began framing houses for Nilius Builders, a career that would last nearly 50 years. In the late 1990s Kerwin became co-owner of the company with long-time friend and colleague, Skip Nilius. Kerwin retired in 2022. Over the decades, they built hundreds of homes and employed hundreds of young men. Each of Kerwin’s sons is glad to have spent time working for their dad.

In addition to family and work, Kerwin kept busy with commitments to church and local Christian ministries. Over the years, he was involved with AWANA and adult Sunday School, serving on various building committees and leadership boards, prison ministry, the Open Door Mission, Gideons, Remington Heights (serving with Bible studies and a church service at an assisted living facility in Omaha), the Brookside Host Team, and many others. Kerwin and Jan were also faithful advocates and supporters of missions work around the world.

One of Kerwin’s greatest joys was being a grandpa. He wanted to be an example to his family and grandchildren. He loved watching his grandchildren participate in their sports and activities. He was a devoted fan but he was more concerned that his grandchildren love the Lord with all their heart, mind, and soul.

Kerwin’s loving family includes his wife Jan, his children Matt (Greta) Wiebe of Lincoln (children: Andrew, Owen, Elsa, and Annabeth), Ryan (Joni) Wiebe of Papillion (children: Isaac, Eli, and Avery), and Tim (Carrie) Wiebe of Omaha (children: Carston, Jadon, Sawyer, and Keller); siblings Ted (Nancy) Wiebe of Burns, KS, Delores Ames of Omaha, NE, Bernice (Joel) Penner of Butterfield, MN, Maxine (Brad) Unruh of Wichita, KS, and three brothers-in-law, Sam Roth of Grand Rapids, MI, Bob (Maria) Harman of Glenwood, UT, and Tom Harman of Tampa, FL; along with many nieces and nephews. Kerwin is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers-in-law (Steve Harman and Duane Ames), a brother and sister-in-law (DuWayne and Myrial Wiebe), and a sister (Evangeline Roth).

Kerwin was a man of integrity and a devoted Christ-follower, a loving husband, a great father and grandpa, and a good friend to many. We are marked by his influence, will miss his presence, and commit to honoring his legacy. More than anything else, Kerwin would want us to know and love his Lord and Savior. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 5PM to 7PM at Braman Mortuary (Millard Chapel). All are invited to a Celebration of Life service on Monday, July 20, at 11AM at Brookside Church (11607 M Circle, Omaha NE, 68137). A private burial will take place before the Celebration of Life service begins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either (1) the “Help Ukraine” fund of SEND International in support Kerwin and Jan’s nephew and family, Chad and Leanna Wiebe, who are missionaries in Ukraine (if mailing a check, please send to SEND International, PO Box 773126, Detroit, MI 48277; please make the check out to SEND International and designate contributions to the “Help Ukraine” fund). Donations can also be made to (2) The Gideons, which will help place Bibles around the world wherever there is need (send memorial gifts to The Gideon’s International, PO Box 21, Gretna, NE 68028).

Visitation: Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 5-7:00pm at Braman Mortuary (Millard Chapel)

Celebration of Kerwin’s Life will be on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 11:00am at Brookside Church (11607 M. Circle)

Braman Mortuary & Cremation Services (6505 S. 144 St. Omaha, NE 68137 / 402-895-3400)