Jacob A. Giesbrecht (1916-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Oct 4 p. 27

Birth date: 1916 Feb 3

text of obituary:

JACOB A. GIESBRECHT

Jacob A. Giesbrecht of Steinbach, Man. passed away June 23. He was born Feb. 3, 1916 to Abram and Maria Giesbrecht in Lichtenau, Ukraine. The family immigrated to Hawksville, Ont. in June 1924; they moved to Hochfeld, Man. 8 months later and to a farm in Fortier, Man. in 1935. He attended school until grade 9 because a severe leg ailment rendered him useless as a farmhand. He accepted Christ Nov. 6, 1937 in the Newton Siding Church and was baptized in spring 1938. He married Sarah Bergmann June 8, 1941. They farmed near Fortier, then Ste. Anne, Man. He served 2 years as a conscientious objector at Clear Lake, Man. and on Vancouver Island. They returned to farm at Clear Lake, then Clearspring, Man. He supplemented his income by working on building a highway. They moved to Steinbach. He worked for 12 years as a mechanic at Loewen Garage, for a short time at CT Lowen and Son and for 18 years as a bookkeeper for Bergmann Meat Products. He and Sarah served in Sunday school and as deacon couple for several decades, visiting the needy 2 evenings a week. He was a man of unwavering principles who sought the will of God in all things. He is remembered for his faithful prayer life, love of Scripture, concern for others, consistent thankfulness and love of nature, especially birds and wildflowers. In 1992 Sarah moved to Rest Haven Nursing Home, Steinbach. He visited her twice daily for 5 years. Not long after her death, he moved to Rest Haven. Predeceased by Sarah and a great-granddaughter, he is mourned by children Ruth Penner of Landmark, Man., Edie of Winnipeg, Jake of Blumenort, Man. and Hildie Wiebe of Kelowna, B.C.; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 27 in Steinbach MB Church, with Abe Klassen minstering.