Pauls, Jacob (1901-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 Sept 16 p. 31

Birth date: 1901 Sept 03

text of obituary:

JACOB PAULS

Jacob Johann Pauls of Winnipeg went to be with the Lord on June 29 at the age of 76 years. The funeral took place at the Central Mennonite Brethren Church, Winnipeg, and the burial at the Mennonite Cemetery at La Salle, near the place where Mr. Pauls lived and served for many years.

He was born on September 3, 1901 in Wiesenfeld, in southern Russia to Johann and Maria (nee Martens) Pauls. He received what education he could in the local village school before the outbreak of World War I. Any hope he might have had for further education ended as he entered into the work on his parents' farm. He found salvation in Christ one quiet midnight hour in June, 1918. Soon thereafter a revival broke out among the youth of that village and on the 19th of August, 1918, he was one of 18 young people who were baptized upon their confession of faith and joined the Mennonite Brethren church.

In 1919 their family fled forever from their home in Wiesenfeld because of the events which followed the Revolution and found shelter for a time in Alexanderthal in the Molotschna settlement. After the death of his father about this time and a year and a half of military service, he was able to come to Canada in 1925 together with his mother and the rest of his family. On April 1, 1926 they were able to move onto a farm at Osborne, Manitoba, where a Mennonite Brethren church was soon organized.

On August 28, 1927, he was married to Anna Dueckman, a union blessed with six children, three sons and three daughters. Though he experienced serious illnesses a number of times, the Lord always gave health and new strength. On July 25, 1948, the church ordained him to the diaconate and the following year chose him as their leader. He filled this role for 14 years for the church at Osborne which moved in 1952 to Domain, Manitoba. In 1966 he and his wife moved to Winnipeg, where they joined the Central Mennonite Brethren Church in 1970. There he continued to serve the church in diaconal ministries and various committees. He was an example of good will and wisdom and always sought to be supportive and encouraging in his ministry to others.

He is survived by his wife, Anna; three daughters, Elly (Mrs. Peter) Penner, Irma, and Helga (Mrs. Edward) Hamm; three sons, Rudy and wife Mary, Irwin and wife Irene, and John and wife Martha; 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren; who look forward to a reunion in glory with him.