JACOB R. WIEBE

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JACOB R. WIEBE Peaceably at home, on June 16, 2010, Jacob R. Wiebe snuck out of his earthly body in the wee hours of the morning and went to the place prepared for him in heaven by his loving Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Jake was born on October 16, 1931 to Johann and Katherine Wiebe in Rosenort, Sagradowka in what is now Ukraine. As a child, Jake survived the Ukrainian Famine, the repression under Stalin, Second World War, and an escape with his family across Eastern Europe to become a refugee in Poland and later Germany. He arrived in Canada on his 16th birthday to a new country and a new life for which he never stopped being grateful. Jake fell in love with Mary Martens and convinced her to love him back. They were married on October 17, 1953. For over 56 years, Jake called her Honey and told her she was beautiful. Right to the end of his life, Jake knew he was home when he was with Mary. Jake was an adventurer and an optimist. He was a generous man who saw the best in people. He had a million ideas and set as many as he could into motion. Jake whistled or sang wherever he went, regardless of the circumstances. He was quick to laugh or to strike up a conversation. His enthusiasm and encouragement will be greatly missed. Jake leaves to mourn, his wife Mary; his children, Valerie and Bruce Boucher, Gary and Cathy Wiebe, Ingrid and Rick Koss; 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, two sisters and one brother. He was predeceased by an older brother Henry (M.I.A., Second World War), his father Johann (1979) and his mother Katharine (1985). The family offers heartfelt thanks to the many friends, volunteers and care workers who helped care for Jacob in his last months. The funeral service will be held at McIvor Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, 200 McIvor in Winnipeg on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. Viewing before the service beginning at 9:30 a.m.; a light lunch and interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Family Life Network.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 19, 2010