Peacefully, with family at his side, Jacob J Thiessen went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 5, 2011. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Sarah, his sons Don (Wendy), Dennis (Emily), and daughter Eleanor (Cliff), as well as his grandchildren, Nicolas (Charlotte, Benjamin, Malachi, Judah), Thomas (Ashley, Quintin), Stewart (Chrissy), Kristen, Curtis, and Andrew. He was predeceased by his son Gerald (2007), one great granddaughter, Addison (2009), and two sisters Anne and Sally. Jacob was born on February 28, 1924, in Kleefeld, Russia, and immigrated with his family to Canada when he was only one and a half years old. The family settled in Arnaud, Manitoba, where they farmed. His father died at an early age and so he had to quit school to help run the farm. Jacob joined the church and sang in the choir. He married Sarah Wiebe on October 16, 1949, and soon moved to Steinbach where they bought a farm, which he farmed for many years in the Clearspring area. Jacob and Sarah joined the Steinbach M.B. Church where he was actively involved in singing with the choir, a church male quartet, and a quartet, which served for 13 years at Overstone Church. Jacob and Sarah were blessed with four children. Family was extremely important to them, both immediate and extended, and there was nothing that brought them greater joy than seeing each one of them happy in their lives. He loved to watch sports of all kinds, but his greatest enjoyment came from watching his grandsons play hockey. He earned the tide of “rink rat” honestly. Together, Jacob and Sarah followed their grandchildren to sports events, music festivals, school plays, or whatever other activities they were involved in. He always did so with a sparkle in his eye and a smile in his heart. Over his 87 years, Jacob was extremely thankful to God for all the blessings that had been bestowed upon him. He lived a life of no regrets and led by example. His faith was unwavering even during the last years when health began to fail him. This faith was the foundation of his life, and his life was built from that foundation. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest in your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light” Matthew 11:29 & 30. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Toews and the hospital staff for their care and compassion to him during these last years. If people so desire, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choosing. Viewing will be held at the Mennonite Brethren Church, 340 2nd St, Steinbach, MB on Wednesday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. and at the church prior to the service. The funeral service will be held Thursday, November 10 at 10:30 a.m. at the Mennonite Brethren Church with interment at Heritage Cemetery.