Jacob M Fehr

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Jacob M Fehr, age 97, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at the Dulcina Hospice, Calgary, AB.

Jacob “Dad” was born on October 28, 1926 in the Mennonite village of Chortitz SK. Dad attended Versailles School a mile north of Chortitz where he finished the 8th grade. He was a serious student who enjoyed school. He loved math and spelling, and fondly remembers assisting the teacher in writing notes on the blackboard.

As a lad, Dad loved playing his harmonica. One of his favorite stories is “pulling a harmonica out of his pocket and getting the attention of our Mom in a large group of youth.”

Dad and Agnes Klassen “Mom” were married on October 10, 1948, in the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church. Their first home was in Swift Current where Dad worked as a section man for the CPR. Soon after, they bought the Klassen Family farm two miles north of Chortitz where they resided for several years. They then purchased an acreage in Chortitz and raised a family of seven children. Dad & Mom worked as a team, Mom kept the farm and children going, while Dad worked a full-time job away from home bringing in extra money. His employment included working on the CPR, followed by the CP Round House in Swift Current. Dad achieved a 4th Class Power Engineering certificate and worked at the Comprehensive High School, first in the boiler room and then head custodian until his retirement.

Dad was never afraid of hard work. In the fall it was butchering time, then in winter he would take care of the cattle and make ropes out of bailer twine. When snowstorms blocked roads, he would drive a snow mobile to Wymark to reach his truck, so he could drive to Swift Current for work. Our parents’ dream of owning a dairy was fulfilled in the last few years before they retired to Swift Current. Despite the business of life, Dad & Mom always found time for family and friends.

After retirement Dad took up horseshoes. He became a serious challenger at many horseshoe tournaments including at Manitou Beach, Victoria, Toronto, and Las Vegas.

He also enjoyed volunteering at the Mennonite Heritage Village. It was at this time, that he purchased a lap-top and learned to type and email. He wrote stories and poems in both the English and the Low-German languages. In his lifetime he published 14 books, including translating the “Bible Stories for children” into the Low-German language. He recorded several of the books on CD’s, as well as recording some harmonica music. His books and CD’s were sold at book stores across Canada, some being Indigo Books, and in Mexico.

Dad & Mom enjoyed living in Swift Current where they tended a garden each year. They also invited many relatives and friends to visit and enjoy their Mennonite cooking.

Dad set the ultimate example through life by demonstrating his work ethic and integrity in everything he did. Despite work commitments, Dad & Mom still took time for family and travel. They went on some amazing trips together, Ukraine, Bolivia, Belize, Mexico, Inuvik NWT, Yellowknife, Pennsylvania, Nashville, and even Hawaii. 

Dad & Mom did all they could to help their children succeed in life. If there was a difficulty or projects, they would find the time to visit and to help.  

Dad & Mom were serious partners throughout their lives and worked through many challenges together. After Mom passed away, Dad found it difficult to find a purpose. Then, MCC in Swift Current and Calgary became the answer. They supplied the jeans, and Dad cut 6” and 8” squares, making kits to sew queen size blankets. These jean blanket kits were then sold at MCC Thrifts Stores. In total, he cut over 1,300 kits averaging 125 squares per kit.

Dad & Mom loved music. Dad would play his harmonica and Mom would sing. Together they would sing and play at various senior homes and family gatherings or play for an ill friend or family member in the hospital.

Dad & Mom’s devotion to each other and their creator was never in doubt. They never shied away from sharing their faith. They often stressed the importance of memorizing Bible verses. Strong evidence of their desire to instill their faith in their children happened when they made a conscious decision to attend the EMC Church in Chortitz.  Their children were growing up in an English world, and English Church and Sunday School became a regular part of their lives. Music was a big part of our home life. This gave us the opportunity to serve in church singing and playing various instruments. 

Dad was predeceased by his wife, Agnes (Klassen) Fehr, in April of 2019; a daughter, Kathy Matheson in 2009; his parents, Aron & Maria Fehr; his brothers, John and Abe; and by his sisters, Mary and Susie. He is survived by three sons, Jim (Lily) Fehr, Robert (Elsie) Fehr, Gerald Fehr; three daughters, Sandra (Harold) Friesen, Brenda (Bob) Penner, Susan Fehr; thirteen grandchildren; and by twenty great-grandchildren.

We will miss our Dad, but we look forward to seeing him again in heaven.

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