Sawatzky, Jacob Simon (1924-1974)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1974 Dec 13 p. 38

Birth date 1924 May 20

text of obituary:

JACOB SAWATZKY

Jacob Simon Sawatzky was born in Oren burg. Russia on May 20. 1924. Three years later his parents immigrated to Canada. settling in the town of Herbert. Saskat chewan. In 1935 the family relocated to Main Centre. Sask_ where he completed his high school education. He continued his education and became a teacher.

On September 28. 1947 he was united in marriage with Agatha Braun of Beechy . Sask. This union was blessed with four children: two daughters and two sons.

After completing his B.Ed. degree from the University of Sask. in 1959 Jacob joined the teaching staff of Herbert High School. Jacob made a commitment to God in his youth through the evangelistic ministry of Rev. Prieb. but spoke of a very real experience in 1962. He was travelling alone in the car and he sought full assurance from God for forgiveness of sins. It was this experience of inner peace which led him on to search for deeper truths in God's Word. The struggles of his soul, after being struck with his fatal illness, were many. He gained courage and strength while reading Studies of Romans by Dr. Richard De Haan.

He passed away November 1, and leaves to mourn his loving wife Agatha; two sons: James Peter and Robert Bruce of Herbert; two daughters: Amelia Justine Tuenschell of Calgary and Eva Jane of Regina; a son-in-law. Wolfgang Tuenschell; his mother, Mrs. Justina Sawatzky of Swift Current; three sisters and their husbands: Erna Neufeld of Calgary, Elma Martens of Burnaby and Jean Andres of Calgary, as well as many relatives and friends.

The funeral service was held in the Herbert Mennonite Brethren Church on November 5 with Rev. Ferdinant Ediger and Rev. Jacob Pauls officiating. A male quartet and a double mixed quartet sang songs of comfort to the family.