Janz, Jacob B. (1884-1972)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1972 oct 6 p. 31

Birth date: 1884 Jun 13

text of obituary:

JACOB B. JANZ

Jacob Janz was born in 1884 to Benjamin and Helena Janz (nee Penner) of Konteniousfeld, S. Russia. He received his public school education there, going on to other institutions to become a teacher. He taught for over 20 years with a short interruption during World War I, when he served with the Red Cross.

At 24 years he was baptized upon confession of faith and became a member of the Alexandertal MB Church. In 1908 he was married to Aganetha Wiens of Sparrau. This union lasted for over 63 years.

In 1924 the family moved to Canada, settling first in Ontario, where they were well received by the Pennsylvania Dutch Mennonites, making the adjustment to strange conditions in a new country much easier. Mr. Janz worked as a farm labourer because he did not think he could master the language well enough to take up the teaching profession again. In 1927 the family moved to a farm near Coaldale, then into Coaldale on retirement in 1945.

He was predeceased by his wife in December, and his own health diminished rapidly thereafter. The Lord heard his prayers and called him home on August 30 at the age of 88 years . He leaves to mourn six children: Agnes, Helen, Jacob and John, all of Coaldale; Lydia of Abbotsford, B,C., and Ben of Edmonton, Alta.; 26 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 2 sisters, and numerous relatives and friends.