JACOB P. SIEMENS

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JACOB P. SIEMENS July 11, 1931 - January 2, 2019 At the age of 87 years and five months, Jacob Pete Siemens left his earthly body at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach. He was born to Peter and Katharina (Nickel, Kroeker) Siemens at Saint Francois Xavier, the third child of nine. Though poor by the world's yardstick, Jacob had a happy childhood at Pigeon Lake and Marquette in Manitoba, and Vineland and Dunnville in Ontario. Education was important to Jacob! Following graduation from the Mennonite Collegiate Institute in 1949, he continued studying at Manitoba Normal School (teacher training) and the University of Manitoba where he earned three degrees. Sadly, his employment in a Welland, Ontario blast furnace factory eventually led to severe hearing loss. As a teenager, Jacob accepted Jesus as his Saviour. He was baptised upon confession of his faith in the Vineland United Mennonite Church on July 25, 1948. Jacob was an active member of several churches, ending with Steinbach Mennonite Church. On July 11, 1953, Jacob married Susana Braun. They raised seven children and fostered four children/young adults. Jacob and Susana enjoyed their homes beginning in rural teacherages. Eventually they built their dream house east of Steinbach. Jacob was a complicated man. The trauma his parents suffered in USSR along with events in Jacob's early years shaped his character. At that time there were no tools to process these experiences so he expressed them in his own way. For 33 years Jacob served Manitoba public schools, mainly in Hanover School Division #15. He chaired various committees for The Manitoba Teachers' Society and is a charter member of the Hanover Retired Teachers' Association. Jacob appreciated opportunities to travel and offer voluntary service in several countries. His creative writing contributed to Die Mennonitische Post and Das Blatt für Kinder und Jugend. Passionate about history and genealogy, he wrote several family books and actively promoted clan reunions. Together with a professional homemaker, resourceful Jacob managed to raise a large family and give generously to charity. Jacob and Susana were very hospitable people. Their greatest concern was that all of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would love Jesus. Jacob was predeceased by his wife Susana on December 31, 2016, three grandsons (Darcy Peters, Mitchell Morgan and Genesis Kennedy), two sisters and his parents. He leaves to mourn his children and their families: Karen and Willie Peters (Kristel Peters and Dan Thomas with Gunner and Otis; Kevin and Jenn Peters with Myles and Jewel; Korey Peters and Alex Nohlgren with Gray); Daniel and Joyce Siemens (Jonathan and Nicole Siemens; Rachel Siemens; Timothy Siemens); W. Jac and Audrey Siemens (Brett and Natalie Siemens with Brody, Madison and Payton; Britta Siemens and Aaron Corris); Lois Siemens; Irma and Jordan Morgan (Evan and fiancée Gina Ciavaglia, and Jordan); Iris and Brian Kennedy (Noah); Luella and Vern Peters (Clinton and Larissa K. Peters with Jackson; Larissa Susan Peters). Jacob is survived by three sisters and two brothers as well as numerous extended family members and friends - including his wonderful neighbours at Bridgepark Manor. Viewing took place at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 PTH 52 W., Steinbach, MB on Friday, January 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. with a time of sharing at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service is planned for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 5 at Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Boulevard. At a later date Jacob will join Susana in the Schoenwiese Cemetery, a family graveyard in The Municipality of Rhineland, Manitoba. If you wish to honour Jacob, find an opportunity to be a volunteer! Those who desire may make a donation in Jacob's memory to The Gideons International in Canada or Mennonite Central Committee. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2019