Obituary of Jacob William Epp

Epp, Jacob William - It is with celebration that we remember the life of Jacob William Epp who joined the cloud of witnesses in heaven this Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2020 at the age of 86. Jake was born in Winnipeg, MB on January 21, 1934 to Jakob and Elizabeth Epp.

The family moved from Dominion City, MB to Niagara in 1938 where he met his sweetheart Helen (Lena) Loewen at the Niagara United Mennonite youth group. They married on September 26, 1959 and were excited to welcome Richard, Katherine, Jacqueline, and Lisa to the family home he built on Pine Street in Virgil.

Jake enjoyed serving God by simply helping his neighbours, near and far whenever he could. Whether it was fixing an electrical appliance, setting up quilts for the ladies, or rebuilding in Kentucky and Florida after a natural disaster, Jake followed Christ’s example of showing love to everyone. Jake especially enjoyed travel and service with his love, Lena; traveling all across Canada, USA and Europe. Many friends and family joined Jake and Lena at Pleasant Manor this past September to celebrate their 60th anniversary.  

His children, Richard Epp (Jennifer), Katherine Isaac (Gary), Jacqueline Stearns (Jeff), Lisa Knox; grandchildren Angela (Will Prescott), Christian (Kayla Alseth), Jordan, Michaela, Sarah, Katelyn, Raymond, Aria, Kurtis, Elena, Renae, Eliot, Owen; and Great granddaughter Iyla, will all miss his helpful hands and loving heart. 

Jake is predeceased by his parents Jakob and Elizabeth (Wichert) Epp, and siblings Henry Epp, Mary Steingart (Chip), Betty Friesen (Jake), Nettie Rahn (Jake), John Epp (Amanda), and will be missed by sister-in-law Mary Epp, many friends, neighbours and extended family. 

Our heartfelt thanks to the staff and support workers at Pleasant Manor, LIHN, and ParaMed for their kindness and support. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private interment of less than 10 people will be held at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Cemetery with a Facebook livestream for those unable to attend on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood as Jake’s transfusions allowed us many more precious weeks with him. Donations can also be made to the Mennonite Central Committee or Mennonite Disaster Service, two organizations where he often volunteered to fight social injustice and natural disasters.