Guenther, Jacob A. (1906-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Dec 7 p. 24

Birth date: 1906 Jun 7

text of obituary:

JACOB A. GUENTHER

Jacob A. Guenther of Winnipeg passed away Oct. 26. He was born June 7, 1906 to Abraham and Maria Guenther on a homestead at Gretna, Man., the 11th of 12 children. He had 4 years of elementary school, then was needed on the farm. His skills in calculation were excellent, using unique systems. He attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School. He married Erna M. Hooge Oct. 13, 1929. They lived on a farm and ran a puffed wheat factory, producing Sunshine Cereals. They lived in Hague, Sask. for a short time, then returned to Winkler. The factory went bankrupt due to increased wheat prices after the war, and they moved into Winkler. He worked at Sirlucks and Janzens, a general store. In 1949 Hooge Cleaners, a family business, was begun; he worked there until 1975. In retirement, he and Erna spent 15 winters in the south, mostly in Desert Hot Springs. They travelled to Florida, Arizona, B.C, Ontario, Newfoundland and Europe. His last 10 years were difficult. They moved to Winnipeg to be closer to family. His health deteriorated in the last 3 months. He loved horses, cars, music, food, dressing up, travelling, sports and birds. He enjoyed playing and watching golf, curling, baseball and pool and playing card games, including Uno and Bridge. He was an usher, sang in the choir and served on the food committee at Winkler MB Church. He loved people; he often went for coffee with the men. He helped set up and run the senior citizens' centre. He was humble and gentle, had a desire to tell others about his faith and wanted to go to be with his God. Predeceased by son Morley Allan in 1980 and 1 granddaughter, he is mourned by Erna; daughters Emily of Gimli, Man. and Carol Jackson of Winnipeg; sons Larry of Vernon, B.C, Ray of Winnipeg and Roy of Okanagan Falls, B.C.; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Nov. 3 in Winkler MB Church, with Victor Neufeld and John Stoesz ministering.