Toews, Isaac Jacob (1888-1973)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1973 Sep 07 p. 30

Birth date: 1888 Oct 19

text of obituary:

ISAAC JACOB TOEWS

Isaac Jacob Toews was born in 1888 in Chortiza, South Russia. At the age of six his parents moved to Kamenka, Orenburg, where Isaac spent his childhood, and where he lost his mother soon after the move. His second mother died in 1905.

Isaac accepted his Saviour at 18 and joined the MB church, participating actively in the choir and in Sunday School work. In 1918 he began to serve as deacon and minister of the gospel and was ordained in 1920.

He was married to Anna Neufeld, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Neufeld, and the Lord blessed their union with 10 children, two of whom died in infancy. His wife, wonderfully gifted as a courageous, minister's helper, died in 1949.

Isaac enjoyed preaching to the Russians during the Revolution, when 9 years of religious freedom were granted. A number of Russians accepted Christ and some later died for their belief. The family moved to Canada in 1926, settling in the Flowing Well district. Here he was minister and pastor for 9 years at the Gnadenau Church.

In 1941 the family moved to B.C. and settled in the Arnold district and farmed there until retirement to Clearbrook. Isaac served as minister in the Arnold Church for 16 years.

In 1950 he was married to Anna Siemens, who was a faithful helpmate and a loving mother for the family. She has spent the last six years in the Menno Home, suffering from Parkinson's disease.

After several strokes, Isaac died on May 30, 1973, in his 85th year. He is survived by his wife Anna, three sons: Jacob, Isaac, Herman; five daughters: Anna, Tina, Helen, Louise, and Mary; 27 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.