Jacob P. Siemens
Obituary
Jacob Pete Siemens, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at the age of 87 years. He was born to Peter and Katharina (Nickel, Kroeker) Siemens who independently emigrated from the Soviet Union in 1924 and homesteaded on prairie soil about 30 miles west of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Jacob was the third child of nine, born at Saint Francois Xavier on July 11, 1931. Though they were poor by the world’s yardstick, Jacob had happy childhood and school experiences on the farm at Pigeon Lake and Marquette in Manitoba, and later in Vineland and Dunnville, Ontario.
Education was important to Jacob! He received his elementary education in Vineland. Grades 9 and 10 were completed at Niagara Christian College in Fort Erie, Ontario, and Grades 11 and 12 at the Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna, Manitoba. Following high school graduation in 1949, Jacob continued his studies in Winnipeg at the Manitoba Normal School (teacher training) and the University of Manitoba where he earned three degrees. He also spent three years working on the family farm before starting his teaching career. Sadly, his employment in a Welland, Ontario blast furnace factory led to severe hearing loss in the latter part of his life.
As a teenager, Jacob accepted Jesus as his Saviour. He was baptised upon confession of his faith in the Vineland United Mennonite Church on July 25, 1948. Jacob was an active member of several churches during his lifetime. Congregations in Ontario and Manitoba felt his presence because he thrived on participating in many areas including positions as Church Council Chair, Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Steinbach Mennonite Church and relished his role of telling stories to the children in Sunday School.
Savouring the challenge of education, Jacob did all he could to prepare himself for this profession. For 33 years Jacob served in Manitoba public schools, mainly in Hanover School Division #15. This included teaching various grades as well as the role of Principal. Many summers and evenings were used to complete his university studies. He was very involved with The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. Locally Jacob chaired various committees and served as the editor of the “Hanover Harbinger”. His efforts at a provincial level concentrated on professional development and in-service training. During his retirement, he was a charter member of the Hanover Retired Teachers’ Association.
On July 11, 1953, Jacob married Susana Braun. She was a strong supporter and did an amazing job of running the household while her husband maintained his busy schedule. Together they raised a family of seven children and later spent a decade fostering four children/young adults. Jacob and Susana enjoyed their homes beginning in rural teacherages. Eventually they built their dream house on a hobby farm east of Steinbach before moving to Winnipeg. They loved Koinonia Ranch and shared it with many visitors. As the head of the household with a professional homemaker at his side, resourceful Jacob managed to raise a large family, give generously to charity and have money available to help his children. Jacob and Susana were very hospitable people. Birthdays, anniversaries and special events were celebrated! Jacob and Susana’s greatest concern was that all of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would love Jesus and serve Him. Family devotions and prayer were daily activities.
Jacob was a complicated man. The trauma his parents experienced in USSR along with events in Jacob’s early years shaped his character. At that time there were no tools to process these experiences so he expressed them in his own way.
During his 87 years, Jacob nurtured several interests. He was fond of gardening and developed a hobby farm that included horses. Following early retirement, Jacob appreciated opportunities to travel and offer voluntary service in several countries. His creative writing contributed to Die Mennonitische Post and Das Blatt für Kinder und Jugend, and he wrote Math books for German schools in Mexico. History and genealogy were passions. Jacob wrote several family books and actively promoted clan reunions. His home was always filled with books! This delightful resource created a heavy pain when moving.
Jacob was predeceased by his loving wife Susana on December 31, 2016, three infant grandsons (Darcy Peters, Mitchell Morgan and Genesis Kennedy) two sisters (Margaret Siemens and Mary Kendall) and his parents. He leaves to mourn his children and their families: Karen & Willie Peters (Kristel Peters & Dan. Thomas with Gunner and Otis; Kevin & Jenn. Peters with Myles and Jewel; Korey Peters & Alex. Nohlgren with Gray); Daniel & Joyce Siemens (Jonathan & Nicole Siemens; Rachel Siemens; Timothy Siemens); W. Jac & Audrey Siemens (Brett & Natalie Siemens with Brody, Madison and Payton; Britta Siemens & Aaron Corris); Lois Siemens; Irma & Jordan Morgan (Evan and fiancée Gina Ciavaglia, and Jordan); Iris & Brian Kennedy (Noah); Luella & Vern Peters (Clinton & Larissa K. Peters with Jackson; Larissa Susan Peters). Jacob is survived by three sisters (Helene Vollick, Elizabeth Kopeschny and Linda Lachnit) and two brothers (Peter Siemens and George Siemens) as well as numerous extended family members and friends – including his wonderful neighbours at Bridgepark Manor.
Viewing will take place at Birchwood Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 4 at 7:00 p.m. with a time of sharing at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service is planned for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 5 at Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Boulevard. At a later date Jacob will join Susana in the Schoenwiese Cemetery, a family graveyard in The Municipality of Rhineland, Manitoba. If you wish to honour Jacob, find an opportunity to be a volunteer! Those who desire may make a donation in Jacob’s memory to The Gideons International In Canada, Box 3619, Guelph, ON N1H 7A2 or Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive; Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9.
