April 15, 1925 – July 11, 2021
Jake Siemens passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, July 11, 2021, at Sunrise Encore with family members at his side. He had been admitted to palliative care 3 days prior, giving all family members an opportunity to say goodbye.
Jake was born in Friedensruh, Russia, on one of many Mennonite settlements encouraged by Catherine the Great to develop the productivity of the Ukraine. In 1925, before he was a year of age his parents, John and Margaret Siemens, left the turmoil of Russia along with his older brother John and set sail for Canada. They settled on what became the family farm in Munson Alberta.
As a young man he spent 10 years in the Drumheller coal mines enjoying his rapport with the horses as they pulled coal cars out of the mine and it was during these mining years that he married Helen Klassen, also of Munson. They celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on April 3rd of this year.
After mining, Jake pursued a career as a grain buying agent and was employed with the United Grain Growers until his retirement. He worked briefly in Delburne before moving his young family to Acme in 1954 where he worked until 1973 before moving to Red Deer, working there until retirement. In retirement Jake enjoyed his time spent working at Ted's Foodmart in Olds.
Jake's faith in God was the cornerstone of his life and was reflected in his integrity in life and work. He loved to sing and frequently sang the tenor solos in the Linden MB church choir. Outside of work and the church his attention was primarily absorbed by sports, being an avid fan of football, hockey and baseball.
Jake is survived by his wife Helen, son David (Kelly) and children, Kevin, Darryl, Jill (Brandon) and children Faith, Karson, & Maverick, James (Michelle) and children Kira, Bailey & Linneah, Jen (Mike) and children Abi, Parker & Charlee, son Dan (Anita) and children Matthew (Caroline) and children Owen and Avery, and Lea Anne.
He was predeceased by brothers John, Abe, Ernie (Margaret) and Bert and survived by brother Ben.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.sunsetltd.ca.
