Jacob Schapansky was born on December 25, 1934 in the R.M. of DeSalaberry, son of Jacob and Maria Schapansky. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, June 13, 2011. He will be greatly missed by us as husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He attended a one room school where most of the instruction was in French. He took 2 years of Diploma course in Agriculture at the University of Manitoba 1951-1953. Jake’s father was not ready to give up farming, so he went to the city and took his apprenticeship in plastering. For nearly 20 years, he was involved in construction. In 1974, Jake & Lena bought 40 acres near Ile des Chenes and operated a poultry farm. In 1986, he was diagnosed with asbestosis. Jake and Lena gave up farming and they both worked in the city. Jake retired in 2000 from Corrections with the intermittent program. He was baptized upon the confession of his faith on May 12, 1957 by Reverend John Schmidt at the Gospel Light Mission Church. He married Lena Driedger on May 11, 1958. Together, Jake & Lena found Sargent Ave Mennonite Church and joined this congregation, making it their faith family. Jake served in many capacities enjoying especially his terms of service on Mennonite Disaster Service. He really appreciated the nurture and fellowship experienced at Sargent Ave Mennonite Church. Jake loved nature, living in the country, the beautiful sunsets and the peace and quiet. He liked to read, especially history and listen to music. He loved to travel to visit family. He liked to work with his hands whether creating beautiful artistic plaster ceilings or woodwork. He was very resourceful in whatever project he was creating. He is survived by his wife Lena, his three children Gary (Kris) Schapansky, Valerie (Steven) Belknap and Carl (Tammy) Schapansky and daughter-in-law Helen Schapansky as well as his 8 grandchildren: Joanne and Steven Schapansky, Jake and Leah Schapansky, Anthony, Tobias, Courtney and Sophia Belknap. . Surviving are his brother Herman (Margaret), sister Tina (Henry Rempel), Mary (Bill Sawatzky) and brother-in-law, Bernie Harder, plus all the “Driedger Family”. He was predeceased by his beloved son Jim, parents Jacob and Maria, sister Margaret Harder and his in-laws John and Helen Driedger and sister in law Eleanor. The funeral will be held Friday, June 17, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sargent Ave Mennonite Church, Sargent & Garfield, Winnipeg, with interment at Grunthal Cemetery. Viewing will be at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr. Steinbach, on Thursday, June 16, at 7:00 p.m., with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. and at the church prior to the service. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Mennonite Disaster Service, 6A – 1325 Markham Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6