Becker, Jacob B. (1868-1948)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 Aug 26 p. 3

Birth date: 1868 Apr 3

text of obituary:

JACOB B. BECKER

Jacob B. Becker was born April 3, 1868, in Russia. In 1874 at the age of six he migrated with his parents to America, settling west of Marion, South Dakota. He resided here all his life excepting three and a half years which were spent at Chinook, Montana.

He enjoyed fair health until 1929, when a periodic facial nerve trouble developed which was very painful at times. Last December he had the misfortune to fall on the ice, causing a broken bone which brought on anemia and cancer of the stomach. This weakened him so that he became bed-ridden the last six weeks. He passed away at 12:45 a.m. August 6, 1948, at the age of 80 years four months and three days.

In the year 1888 he united in marriage with Elizabeth Unruh. They lived together 59 years and eight months. To this union were born 14 children. A son died in infancy while Mary died at 20 years of age.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Becker, and the children as follows: Susana, Mrs. Peter Schroeder, Mt. Lake, Minn.; Eva, Mrs. John Schroeder, Floodwood, Minn.; David, Freeman, South Dakota; Helen, Mrs. Joe Thomas, Marion, S. D.; Joseph, Marion; Ruben, Marion; Anton, Omaha, Nebr.; Alvina, Mrs. Pete Nickel, Douglas, Alaska; Martha, now of Marion; Aaron, Mt. Lake, Minn.; Jake, Marion, S. D.

Surviving are also four sons-in-law and six daughters-in-law. there are 49 grandchildren of whom four are deceased, 32 great-grandchildren of whom five are deceased. He precedes in death also four brothers and two sisters.

In the year 1893 he became assured of being saved by trusting in the finished work of Calvary. His faith in the Lord became active in Christian work in the local Evangelical Mennonite Brethren church, of which he was one of the three remaining charter members. His exemplary Christian life, his sincere faith in the Lord and in His Word have been inspirational for children and grandchildren to follow. Through his daily reading and searching of the Word of God he had acquired unusual familiarity with the Scriptures, so as to be able to quote or locate from memory practically any given passage.

We as a family shall cherish much the memories of the last few hours before his departure. As his suffering became intense, songs and Scripture portions were read to him. Among them was the Scripture, “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” Mother asked him if we should pray that God should deliver him this night, and he nodded an approval. Two hours later a weak hand-clasp indicated he knew his departure was at hand. Several minutes later his breath lessened and he went to be with the Lord. The blessed hope that God has promised his children is ours and we soon shall see him again

— Mrs. Jacob B. Becker and family

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Jun 16 p. 5 [article about May 29, 1960 memorial service for Jacob B. Becker and Elizabeth Becker]