Lehn, Jacob Isaac (1872-1964)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1964 Sep 25 p. 19

Birth date: 1872 Mar 28

text of obituary:

JACOB ISAAC LEHN

Jacob Isaac Lehn, son of Isaac Lehns, was born on March 28, 1872, in the city of Jekaterinoslaw, South Russia. Until the age of 7 he stayed on his father's farm after which he went to the city under the guidance of his grandmother, Anna Fast. At the age of 11 he started high school in Chortitza Centralschule with Jacob Klassen and Peter Riediger as his teachers. After five years of highschool he went back to his father's farm. 1893 he was enlisted to serve for the Russian Government but got a release soon after.

In 1894 he married Helen Neufeld, daughter of Jacob J. Neufelds. For 12 years the family lived and farmed together with his father or lived in Jekaterinoslav. During this time 4 sons were born of whom the oldest at the age of two months.

In 1906 the family moved to Canada settling on a farm near the town of Aberdeen, Sask. During 12 years of heavy laboring on the farm, they still found time to fellowship with God's children of the M.B. Church there. At a revival meeting both Jacob and his wife found Christ after realizing their lost condition. So in 1918 they were able to surrender their lives to Christ.

The next year they were baptized and acepted into the M.B. Church. During these years 4 more children were born of whom 3 died in infancy. One son Waldemer of Kamloops died about 2 months ago. After enjoying much blessing together in 1932 his beloved wife was taken from his side through death and leaving him behind with 5 sons. The next year he found his second helpmeet in Mrs. Maria Neufeld (Schellenberg). He especially appreciated the hearty welcome given him in his new family by his wife's father, Mr. Schellenberg. In 1938 his wife and he left Aberdeen moving to the town of Herbert, close to the Schellenbergs. Here too, they were able to enjoy fellowship and blessings in their homelife as well as in church. Through God's Grace he was able to serve as S.S. teacher, church cercretary, correspondent for church periodicals as well as church registrar. In 1947 the family decided to move to B.C. to enjoy a milder climate during the last years of life they settled in Clearbrook enjoying the fellowship and blessing there for another 17 years.

On the 22nd of April, 1963 Bro. Lehn had the misfortune to break his left leg. This accident left him hospitalized for the remaining days of his life. His parting day came on Friday July 31, 1964 at 9 o'clock in the evening. His entire lifespan has been 92 years, 4 months and 3 days. Death came because of cancer. As the oldest son in his family he was the last one to be called home. He leaves to morn his sorrowing wife; four sons Alex, Jacob, William and Henry Lehn all of Aberdeen, also 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

We mourn but not without hope. We rejoice in the hope to meet in Glory. The Family.