Jacob Enns

JACOB JOHANN ENNS, of Lethbridge, formerly of Coaldale, died on August 13, 2011 at the St. Michael's Palliative Care Centre at the age of 86 years.

He was the beloved husband of Katharina (Kathie) Enns of 60 years; loving father to Irene Enns of Fort Worth, Texas; Hans (Lindy) Enns of Lethbridge; and Peter (Anni) Enns of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Jacob loved his grandsons; Nathan (Katy) Enns of Texas and Luke Enns of Winnipeg, and he recently became great-grandfather to Emma Rose Enns, born to Nathan and Katy. Jacob was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, a brother and his daughter, Margaret Enns.

Jacob was born on October 5, 1924 in Schoenhorst, Ukraine. He survived a difficult childhood and youth during WWII, as well as three years in a Russian Concentration Camp in Siberia, where he worked in the coal mines and a factory. Following a work injury, and unable to work, he was released in 1948, immigrating to Germany where he finally received approval, with the assistance of the Mennonite Central Committee Canada to immigrate to Canada. This was possible since his fiancée, Kathie, who had immigrated two years earlier, sponsored Jacob, and they were married on October 14, 1950.

Jacob became a Journeyman Brick Mason and enjoyed his work. Numerous buildings, houses, fire places and stone decorative walls display his handiwork and creativity. Jacob's passion was music and sharing his faith in Jesus Christ through song. He was a long-time member of the Coaldale Mennonite Male Choir, sang in mixed choirs, small groups and enjoyed traveling wherever a group of Mennonite men were singing. He was an active member of the Coaldale Mennonite Church, he loved people and making memories so there are many occasions memorialized for friends and families since he took many photographs at events. He was serious about supporting the Mennonite Central Committee of Canada in any way he could.

The last four years of his life, Jacob enjoyed life at The View, a retirement centre in Lethbridge, with his wife Kathie. He made many friends, told many stories, made jokes and developed a terrific talent as an award-winning Wood Carver. He spent many hours carving wildlife and visiting with friends who would stop by to chat and watch Jacob whittle in the little shop that the staff at The View created for him. He found joy in giving his creations to friends and family.

Jacob's family are very grateful to the church family, his family of friends at The View and friends from the community that provided him with so much joy and support, especially during his illness.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011 at the COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 17 Street, Coaldale, Alberta.

Interment at Coaldale Cemetery, Mennonite Section.

For those who wish, please make memorial donation in Jacob's memory to the Mennonite Central Committee of Canada, 210, 2946-32 St. NE, Calgary, AB, T1Y 6J7, to continue their mission around the world.