With his family at his side, Jake passed away at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach to be with his Heavenly Father. He was 84. Jake is survived by his wife Irene (nee Penner) of 57 years; Marilyn (Rudi); Myrna; Lori (Earl); Don; Randy Mark (Sandra) and their families including 12 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Jake was born in the village of Blumenort (Gretna). He spent his childhood there before moving to the family farm near Killarney. Ever the athlete, Jake played shortstop with the Ninga Vets, curled and was a feisty hockey player. He met his wife, Irene, in 1952. They were married on October 30, 1954 immediately after harvest. Jake and Irene spent their early years together on the Smith farm near Ninga before moving to Steinbach in 1964 with their young family. In his later years, Jake found great joy in tending to his gardens, spending time with his grandchildren and playing baseball in the MSOS Games. Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Blvd, in Steinbach. Viewing is prior to the service. Private family interment at Heritage Cemetery. Thank you to the staff at Bethesda Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Bethesda Foundation (Bethesda Hospital Palliative Care), 316 Henry St., Steinbach, MB R5G 0P9