Schoenke, Jacob (1891-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 July 22 p. 34

Birth date: 1891 Apr 23

text of obituary:

JACOB SCHOENKE

The son of Jacob and Katherina (nee Baerg) Schoenke, Jacob Schoenke was born in the Ukraine village of Mariawohl on April 23, 1891.The family moved to Margenau when he was 11 years old. After emigrating to Canada in 1924 he worked at various jobs in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta. In 1930 he married Katherina Peters in Gem, Alberta. Because of the Depression of the thirties, they relocated in 1934, pioneering at Black Creek, B.C. Here his wife predeceased him in 1961. After 11 more years it became difficult to carry on alone, and he spent his last five years at the Menno Home in Abbotsford. Here he quietly passed away on May 25. Funeral services were held in the Black Creek Mennonite Brethren Church with pastor Albert Durksen officiating.

Mr. Schoenke is remembered by his family for his zeal for the Lord in Bible study, Sunday school work and his great love for the hymns which he sang to himself every day until the end.

He is survived by his daughter Martha (Mrs. Peter) Pauls of Glenbush, Sask. and their seven children; his son John of Waldheim, Sask.; two sisters (Mrs.) Katherina Penner of Vineland, Onto and (Mrs.) Maria Wiebe of Russia; a brother, John, in Hespeler, Ont.; a nephew, Henry Wiebe, who joined the family in Black Creek when he came to Canada in 1948; as well as many other relatives and friends.