Siemens, John Jakob (1909-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jul 12 p. 26

Birth date: 1909 Jan 2

text of obituary:

JOHN JAKOB SIEMENS

John Jakob Siemens of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Apr. 19. He was born Jan. 2, 1909 in Gusarowka, Russia. He had only grade 5 schooling, but learnt the skills of a wheelwright and woodworker. He was determined to do the best he could with what he had. He fled to Germany, and immigrated to Canada in 1930, settling in Pilot Butte, Sask., where he worked on several farms. In 1935 he moved to Winnipeg. In June 1936 he married Sara Klassen. They lived in Winnipeg where they attended North Kildonan MB Church. He accepted Christ and was baptized. In 1947 they moved to Arnold, B.C., where they farmed. After the flood of 1948, he worked in the construction industry. They later moved to Clearbrook, B.C. He and Sara travelled, often with friends, to Brazil, Paraguay, Israel, Germany and California and in Canada . Sara died in June 1995. His joy and prayers were with his family. He faithfully served as an usher in church for many years. Where he saw a need, he tried to help, not because of who people were, but because of what they needed. He is mourned by son Jack; daughter Katie Neufeld; 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Apr. 23 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jay Neufeld and Eldon DeFehr ministering.