Thiessen, Jacob Julius (1905-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 Feb 18p. 39

Birth date: 1905 Mar 08

text of obituary:

JACOB JULIUS THIESSEN

Jacob Julius Thiessen and his twin brother, Dietrich, were born to Julius and Susanna Thiessen on March 8, 1905 in Paulheim, Ukraine. In his late teens, during a severe bout of malaria, he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. A year later, when it became evident that he was to be drafted into the army, the family made plans to emigrate to Canada. He and his twin brother arrived in Canada in December, 1925, but the family was unable to follow. What was intended as a temporary separation became permanent.

After working in Ontario and Saskatchewan, Mr. Thiessen moved to Alberta and graduated from the Coaldale Bible School. At this time he was baptized on his confession of faith and was accepted into the fellowship of the Mennonite Brethren Church. On November 19, 1932 he and Helen Friesen were married. God blessed their home with a daughter and a son. They lived in Coaldale, Black Creek, B.C., and Rosemarry, Alta., for short periods before settling in Vauxhall, Alta., where he was engaged in farming until his death.

After a mild stroke in September, 1975 his health deteriorated. In February, 1976 a life-long dream came true when he saw his two surviving sisters for the first time in 50 years in Neuwied, West Germany. After a happy Christmas with his family. Mr. Thiessen suffered another stroke on January 2, and the Lord called him home on January 9. The family will remember his many quiet, loving deeds; his love for the Lord, reading and music; and his faithfulness in weekly lesson preparations for Sunday school.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Helen; a daughter, (Mrs.) Erica Peters of Hepburn, Sask.; a son Arthur and his wife Linda; two grandsons; his twin brother, Dietrich, all of Vauxhall; two sisters, Katherine and Susanna; and many friends