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Source Unknown, May 1907
Transcriber, date unknown
Contribtor Pam Woods

JAN WABBENA DEAD
It was a real surprise Thursday morning to his friends and neighbors when the news spread rapidly around that Mr. Wubbena had passed away of heart trouble. Everything that medical skill could do had been done but the hand of death was stronger and our friend had to succumb to it. He was a sincere Christian man being especially noted for his honesty and highly respected by all who knew him. He has held several township offices and the school with which he was connected since its origin was closed for two days on account
of his death.  Death was not a horror to Mr. Wabbena for he was prepared to go.
He leaves a family of ten children, six boys and four girls and a host of friends to mourn his loss for they have lost a good friend, kind neighbor and a good citizen.
The funeral services were held at the Gospel Hall on Saturday afternoon. Mr. McKay of Saginaw conducting the services. The floral offerings were very large and the crowds of sympathizing neighbors and friends was immense the hall not being nearly large enough to hold a great many as the sidewalk out side was lined with friends who realized that one whom they respected and loved has gone from their midst.
Jan Wabbena was born April 10,1845 in Fergast, Germany, died May 30,1907 at his home in Standish. Mr Wabbena was orphaned at an early age. Altho very well educated in several different languages he received his education through his own efforts, graduating from high school in Lear, Germany, after which he was married to Louise Jungjohann.
He traveled all over the world, leading a sailor's life for  many years after which he moved his home to Standish so as to be with his family, where they resided twenty-one years, he being one of our early pioneers.
The death of his wife in 1894 was a terrible stroke as it left him with a family of ten small children the youngest of which was only three weeks old and the oldest daughter twelve years of age, and took upon herself the household duties. He was an ideal father, the welfare and the education of his children being his chief aim, and he has succeeded.