Jacob Jake Henry Shenher

Jacob passed away peacefully at the age of 87 surrounded by family in the early hours of June 25, 2014 at the Assiniboia Union Hospital after an 8 month battle with leukemia and pulmonary fibrosis. Though some days were hard, the time was filled with many blessings. Jacob is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Marie (Kesslering); son - Terence (Pat), Clayton, Megan; daughter - Brenda, Magdalena; son - Anthony (Angela), Monica, Matthew, Justine; son - John (Marion), Tara. He is also survived by siblings: Joseph (Suzanne), Conrad (Margaret), Marion; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Mary; parents Jacob and Katherine (Ortman) Schenher; siblings Nicholas, Andrew and Josephine. Jacob was born on October 22, 1926 at home in the Viceroy district on SE-15-04-26. He grew up helping on the family farm and attended Sussex Community and Viceroy Schools. After a few years working in the coal mines at Estevan, he returned to Viceroy to farm with his Dad. He married Marie Anna Kesslering on June 2, 1953 and started their life and family on the mixed farm. Jacob truly loved the land. He was actively involved in his community and on the local Boards of Directors of the Viceroy Co-op, Credit Union, Wheat Pool, and local school board. Winters were spent visiting neighbours and friends, playing schmier, bridge and cribbage, curling and square dancing. In 1989 Jacob and Marie built a house in Assiniboia but continued farming until 1999 and he retired at the age of 72. However, he never really retired from his volunteering. He served on the Assiniboia Credit Union Board from 1989 to 1998, with the last 3 years as Board President. His total service on Credit Union boards was over 25 years. He also served as Treasurer of the local Pro-Life chapter. Jacob proudly joined the Knights of Columbus along with his neighbor and close cousin Peter Shenher in 1950, beginning 64 years of service. In 1979 he joined the 4th degree order of Father St. Germaine Council. He served as Grand Knight (3rd degree) and Faithful Navigator (4th degree) and was long time Treasurer and an Honorary Life Member. In 1995 he received an award from the Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation for his work with the charity and in 2014 received a Certificate of Merit for Faithful and Exceptional Services. Retirement years were also filled with playing cards at the 55 Club, cribbage at the Franklin, bowling and being active in the community and St. George’s Parish. Jacob’s life will be celebrated with a Prayer Vigil at 7:30 pm on June 29, 2014 and a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 pm on June 30, 2014, both services held at St. George’s Roman Catholic Church, Assiniboia, SK. At Dad’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Food Grains Bank, http://foodgrainsbank.ca/ Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK in care of arrangements. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com.