Huebner, Jacob Peter (1892-1973)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1974 Jan 11 p. 30

Birth date: 1892 Sep 03

text of obituary:

JACOB PETER HUEBNER

Jacob Peter Huebner was born September 3, 1892 in Alexanderkrone, South Russia to Peter and Helen (nee Konrad) Huebner. He took teacher training and began teaching in Orenburg and later in the Terek district. In 1915 he was mobilized for "Forstei" duties, supervising Austrian prisoners-of-war until 1917. He resumed his teaching career but it was again suddenly terminated by the Bolshevik Revolution.

During this period of unrest he committed his life to God and was baptized, becoming a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church. He married Katharina Koop in 1919, a union blessed with nine children.

In 1924 they emigrated to Canada, residing in Saskatchewan for nine months. Then they lived in Claremont, Alberta before moving to Manitou, Man. in 1928. There they farmed for 21 years through good and hard times. Mr. Huebner loved farming. However, due to the ill health of his wife, they moved to Winnipeg in 1949 where he resided until his sudden death on November 15, at the age of 81.

He was an individual who took great interest in the spiritual, cultural and political affairs of the day. He always encouraged his children to get a good education. His trip to Russia in 1970 with Peter was of great joy and interest to him. He served his church as secretary, Sunday school superintendent and faithful member.

He was especially concerned about the spiritual welfare of his children and grand-children. In letters to them he often quoted a German poem by G. Wenzel: "My life is like a journey Through fair and stormy weather It changes from one to the other Sometimes sorrow, sometimes happiness; But I journey not alone, My Jesus is always with me, The Holy One and Just One He leads me each step of the way."

The funeral was held in the Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church, Winnipeg on November 19, with Rev. E. Gerbrandt and Rev. J. Klassen of Manitou officiating.

He was predeceased by his wife, Katharina in 1969, sons Peter in February, 1973 and Paul in infancy. He is survived by four daughters: Hilda (Mrs. N. Rempel) of Beloit, Wisconsin, Mandy Huebner, Louise (Mrs. J .I Dahl) both of Winnipeg, Teena (Mrs. J.I Epp) of Steinbach; three sons: Jacob and Bert of Winnipeg and Cornelius of Manitou; 28 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two sisters, and two brothers.