Nikkel, Jacob J. (1905-1978)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1978 Mar 03 p. 32

Birth date: 1905 Aug 17

text of obituary:

JACOB J. NIKKEL

After a lifetime of service, Jacob J. Nikkel of Morden, Man., went to be with the Lord on February 1, 1978. He was born to Jacob and Maria Nikkel of Rosenfeld, Man., on August 17, 1905. He was raised in the Sommerfelder Mennonite Church, which he joined at the age of 20. The most significant event of his life came at 28 years when he personally accepted Jesus as his Saviour and committed his life to Christ for service. A year later he married Margaret Harder and began five years of training at the Winkler (Man.) Bible School. During this time the Nikkels were baptized by immersion and joined the Winkler Mennonite Brethren church.

After working for Manitoba Mennonite Brethren Home Missions, the Nikkels moved to a farm in the Elm Creek district in 1942, their home for the next 30 years. Here they raised 12 children and farmed. Mr. Nikkel was ordained at the Newton Mennonite Brethren Church in 1947. Ministry in various churches followed, especially at Winham and Newton. His preaching was forceful and positive. His warmth and interest in other people opened many doors of friendship.

In 1973 the Nikkels sold the farm and moved to nearby Morden, where Rev. Nikkel began a new ministry as Chaplain of the Tabor Home. He remained active in church work to the last hour of his life. He preached his last sermon at a funeral just moments before his passing. A text from that sermon, Philippians 1:21, is a great comfort to the family.

Rejoicing in the memory of his life and passing are his believed wife, Margaret, seven daughters; Mary (Mrs. Henry) Kopp of Ponoka, Alta, Lydia (Mrs. Abe) Koop of Vineland, Ont., Ruth (Mrs. Roger) Tjart of Kitchener, Ont., Grace (Mrs. Neil) willms of Ulysses, Ks., Esther of The Pas, Man., Anne (Mrs. Harv) Kroeker of Altona, Man., and five sons, James and David of Winnipeg, Peter of Swift Current, Sask., John of Steinbach, Man., and Sam of London, Ont., 24 grandchildren; five brothers; three sisters; and many relatives and friends.