Letkemann, Jake (d. 1975)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1975 Apr 3 p. 5

Birth date:

text of obituary:

Leaves Wife, Two Children

MCC-Jamaica Worker Dies

AKRON, PA. (MCC). — Mennonite Central Committee announces with deep sadness the death of Jake Letkemann of Clearbrook, B. C.

Letkemann, his wife Linda and their two children entered MCC service in August 1974 in Jamaica. Soon after their arrival he began to experience health difficulties which were diagnosed as cancer of the large intestine.

Surgery performed immediately proved to be too late; the cancer had already spread to other organs. Although the Letkemanns wanted to remain in Jamaica, he grew increasingly weaker, and in mid-December the family returned to British Columbia. He submitted to further treatment, but was hospitalized in mid-February and died on Feb. 26.

"WHEN I REMEMBER Jake, one of the most important things that comes quickly to my mind is the relationship he had with his children," says ken Snyder, MCC Jamaica director. "To him children's questions were opportunities for simple yet comprehensive explanations. They were times of sharing and communication.

"As a teacher he took his profession seriously and took an interest in individual students. In sickness he easily befriended the hospital staff. In fact, it was amazing to hear of all the churches, groups and individuals who joined in regular prayer for Jake. The day Jamaican students learned about Jake's funeral was a day of open weeping."