JACOB A. SCHMIDT

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JACOB A. SCHMIDT Jake Schmidt of Altona, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 13, at Altona Memorial Health Centre, at the age of 89. He was born on September 6, 1927 to Abram P. and Anna Schmidt (nee Dyck) in Altona Manitoba. He grew up with five brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife Susanna (nee Hildebrand); son Doug and two children, (David and Laura); daughter Janet and two children, (Amanda and Steven); daughter Mary and two children, (Jackson, Dusty and their families); daughter Carol, husband Dale and two children, (Curt, Danielle and family); daughter Susan and son (Aaron and family); son Darren, wife Tanya and three children, (Ashton, Noah and Evan). He is also survived by brothers, Henry and Abe and sisters, Justina and Betty. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as siblings, John, Peter, Ben and Anne. Jake developed an interest in excavating and began digging basements by hand for surrounding areas. He borrowed money to buy his first tractor and hauled ice blocks for melting water as needed. He started his own company in 1949 for sewer and water excavating and snow clearing. Jake married Susanna Hildebrand on November 12, 1950 with only $5 to his name. They lived in a house/barn until he purchased their first home from brother Abe and moved it to it's current location in early spring of 1951. It has remained in the family since then, with grandson Aaron currently living in it. Jake and Susanna had six children between 1951 to 1969. Work was a priority for Jake, but he always made time for family. Family camping trips, fishing and card games were some favourite pastimes. This love of camping and fishing lead to the purchase of a great cottage at Betula Lake in June of 2007. In 2010, Jake developed congestive heart failure and got weaker over time. The stroke he had a few years later forced him to retire completely. In 2014, Jake and Sue moved to their new home in Otter Falls, where they enjoyed many relaxing days birdwatching and feeding the wildlife that entered the yard. Due to failing health, they moved back to their hometown of Altona in April of 2016. Jake moved to the Altona Hospital in October where he remained until his passing. The family will miss all of Jake's stories and the time spent together making memories. He had a heart of gold, quick wit and great sense of humour. He was a blessing to many people over the span of his lifetime. The family would like to thank the Altona Memorial Hospital for the excellent care given and kindness shown during Jake's stay there with special thanks to Dr. Mahdi, Dr. Dueck and Dr. Beuddefeld and their staff, especially Doreen Klassen who made a big difference in his life. Thank you to The Gardens on Tenth staff, especially Pete Friesen for continuously helping make Jake comfortable in transitioning to his new homes. Thank you to the family members in Altona who were there to help when needed. And a very special thank you to the many friends and acquaintances who stopped by to visit and help brighten his day. Finally, the family would like to thank Wiebe's Funeral Home and all those who helped with the memorial service for making this day possible and providing support and encouragement through this difficult time. A celebration of Jake's life was held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the Rhineland Pioneer Centre in Altona. Wiebe Funeral Home Altona In care of arrangements www.wiebefhaltona.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 28, 2017