Jacob "Jake" Sawatzky, age 91, of Ankeny, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at the Veterans Hospital in Des Moines. Services will be held on February 1, 2023, at the Ankeny Funeral Home. A visitation will start at 10 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at the Brethren Cemetery in Elkhart.
Jake was born in Minnesota to Jacob and Mary Sawatzky on March 20, 1931, and was the youngest of eight. Jake was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Korea. Jake married his love, Wanda, in February of 1968. He loved spending time with his wife and family, enjoyed golfing, watching sports, and attending his grandkid's sporting events. Woodworking was a hobby he enjoyed, and made many furniture pieces for their home. Jake enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was gardening, raising their own meat on the farm, and grilling while enjoying a nice cold beer.
Jake is survived by his lovely wife of 55 years, Wanda; children, Debbie Sawatzky Albizo (Richard), Barb (Kim) Nelson, Corey (Kim) Sawatzky, Mike (Terri) Sawatzky, Karl "Sonny" (Kathy) Webb, Don Webb, Mark (Becky) Sawatzky, and Jay Sawatzky; 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Johnnie Ray; and sister-in-law, Di Hamilton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the VA Central Iowa Health Care System. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AnkenyFuneralHome.com for the Sawatzky family.