Jacob Micheal Wohlgemuth

It is with great sadness and love that we say goodbye to Jacob Micheal Wohlgemuth, who passed away on Friday, July 28 at the Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, Manitoba. He reached the age of 86 years and two months.

Jake was born to Peter and Magdalena Wohlgemuth on May 27, 1931 at the family home in Landmark, Manitoba.

Dad spent his younger years on the family farm, working together with his dad and brothers. He had many fond memories of the early days. He often reminisced about the horses, old tractors, threshing machines, and hoeing sugar beets. Dad attended the Landmark School, one mile east of Landmark, and worshipped at the Greenland Church Of God in Christ Mennonite. He was baptized on December 10, 1944 by Minister Jonas B. Koehn. Dad cherished and lived his faith to the end.

He married the love of his life, Viola Wiebe, on May 23, 1953. We celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in May. Together they raised four sons and two daughters. Dad's loyalty and devotion to Mom was incredibly strong, and it became stronger as the years went by. He cared only for Mom's well being in the last few years.

They spent the winter of 1953-54 in a logging camp near Mafeking, Manitoba where Mom was a cook, and Dad hauled logs. In 1954, Dad and his brother Ben started a feed mill in Landmark, Manitoba. Dad often told us it was his father in law, Peter Wiebe's idea, that they build a feed mill. Despite the challenges of starting a new business, and a major fire, the business grew successfully over the years. They added a crop inputs business in the 1960s, and were one of the first commercial fertilizer retailers in the region. In 1977 after nearly 25 years in the feed and fertilizer business, our parents wanted a change of pace. They sold the business to Dad's friend and business partner, Bruce Campbell. They bought a farm in the Thunder Hill area of the Swan River Valley. Dad loved the challenge of starting a new place, and poured his heart into the farm. He cleared land, picked rocks, and drained potholes. They were on the farm until 1995 when they moved into a home at 11 Park Drive, in the town of Swan River. Dad then worked for Nykolaishen Farm Equipment, transporting and delivering John Deere equipment. He also spent the next several years driving truck for Sauder's Trucking, in and around Swan River, delivering grain. He drove truck until he was 80 years old. Dad also enjoyed many hours at Verlin and Lana's farm, helping with seeding and harvesting.

Our parents enjoyed traveling, they took the family on camping trips and on long road trips to places like Montreal, Yellowstone Park, Black Hills, California, and Arizona. They also traveled to Haiti ,The Holy Lands, and visited Pat and Cammie and their family in Bangladesh. Their trips to Arkansas to visit Corinne and her children, were frequent and always a highlight.

The last years became challenging for Dad, and his age began to show with health issues. Dad and Mom moved to Steinbach, Manitoba in the summer of 2015. They enjoyed visiting their sons and their families as well as close relatives. Aunt Nellie sometimes saw Dad and Mom twice in one day! Dairy Queen was close, and they used the drive-thru, frequently.

We took Dad to the Bethesda Hospital, where he was admitted on Wednesday, July 19 due to medical issues. He remained there until his passing on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 2:45 pm. We, as a family, spent the last days with Dad, and treasure the time we spent by his side as he journeyed to his eternal home. He was never alone during this time. Many grandchildren were able to say goodbye to Grandpa, and his brother Melvin and sister Linda were both privileged to also say goodbye to their older brother. The family would like to express gratitude for the loving care provided to Dad by Home Care, Bethesda Hospital and Maplewood Manor staff.

Dad is survived by his wife Viola, his family Randy and Lydia of Steinbach, Manitoba, Ray and Agnes of Steinbach, Manitoba, Dale and Rhonda of Landmark, Manitoba, Corinne Nightingale of Bentonville, Arkansas, Pat and Cammie of Landmark, Manitoba, Lana and Verlin Barkman of Swan River, Manitoba, 23 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. His brother Melvin and Helena Wohlgemuth and sister Linda Wohlgemuth. Extended family include Ted Wiebe, Nellie Wohlgemuth, Marion Wohlgemuth, Leonard and Irma Dueck, Cornie and Velma Wiebe, Eugene and Lottie Quasso, Peter and Norma Wiebe.

Preceding him in death are his parents and parents in law, his brothers Albert, Ben and Elmer, sisters Henrietta and Esther. Four brothers in law and six sisters in law.

Dad touched many lives. During his business career he made many deals with his word and a handshake. He never went back on his word. He didn't ask his employees to do anything he wouldn't do himself.

While living in Swan River, our parents made many good memories. From the time they lived on Thunder Hill till their last days in the valley, everyone was welcome in their home and they were blessed with many dear friends.

We as a family know he always loved us unconditionally. When we let him down at times, he would look past it, and encouraged us to learn from our mistakes.

Despite some disappointments and setbacks in his life, he always kept his faith in God. With Mom and Dad's health challenges, he always put Mom first. He taught us how to be a true husband and father.

Goodbye Jake. Goodbye Dad. Goodbye Grandpa. See you on the other side.* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jan 16 2022, 21:02:45 UTC