Obituary of Jacob K. Koop

Jacob K. Koop, aged 93, of Steinbach, Manitoba, passed away early Friday morning, January 12th, 2024, at the Vita Hospital, Vita, Manitoba.

Dad was born in Steinbach, Manitoba, on March 27^th, 1930.

Dad worked almost 50 years for C.T. Loewen & Sons, in Steinbach, serving most of those years as the lumber and concrete manager.

Dad’s father passed away when he was still young, and he ended up quitting school after grade four, as the oldest boy in the family, to help provide for the family.

Dad also served in the community on the Steinbach Fire Department, from 1963 - 1984, serving most of those years as Deputy Chief. Broken vertebrae, due to a fall at one of the fires, began to hamper his involvement, and back pain accompanied him for the rest of his life.

Dad also loved to volunteer, especially when he had the time after retirement, and he spent many hours visiting and playing guitar at local care homes. His volunteering also led him to be a consistent blood donor over the years.

Mom & Dad decided to serve as guest house hosts with EMC Missions in El Paso, and served there for a year, after retirement. Mom & Dad were faithful in their church attendance, in their giving to church, and to missions, and served in different capacities over the years. Dad was rarely a vocal ‘evangelist’ but sought to model and live out his faith in a way that would show consistent character and integrity. One of the things that we have lost, as a family, is a faithful prayer warrior.

Dad is survived by his beloved wife Mary, five children and their spouses: Shirley and Ken (Ian & Tammy, + Daniel), Erna and John (Jonathon & Gillian, Timothy & Amy, Steve & Lael), Ernie and Diane (Mike & Jaycia, Chris & Katie), Ron and Brenda (Erin, Kevin & Courtney, Braden & Logyn), and Garry and Kimberley (Raechell + Shantal). He is also survived by one brother Dave, and one sister-in-law Margery. Mom & Dad have also been blessed with 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jacob K. Koop may be made to EMC Missions.

A special thanks to the nursing staff at the Vita Hospital for their compassionate care these last seven months, and to Birchwood Funeral Chapel for their assistance.

The memorial service will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Manitoba, with reception faspa to follow. A private family interment will take place prior to the service. To join the family for the funeral via livestream, click HERE shortly before the service.