Obituary of Jacob Thielmann

Jacob Thielmann

Jacob went to be with his Heavenly Father, whom he loved and adored, on February 12, 2024. Jacob was born in Friedensfeld, Ukraine on December 10, 1934, amidst a period of pervasive corrupt communist governance. At the age of three, the Secret Police entered his home, at night, and apprehended his father. This was, tragically, a frequent occurrence during that era. As his father was being escorted away, he imparted these words to Jacob’s elder sibling Albert, "Take good care of your brother." Regrettably, this marked the final encounter with his father. Merely three weeks later, Jacob’s younger brother, John, was born. Throughout the war, as displaced persons, they daily encountered the wondrous providence, shelter, and guidance of Jesus.

In 1948, Jacob’s family immigrated to Canada and established roots in Coaldale, Alberta. In 1956, while pursuing theological studies in Winnipeg, Jacob became deeply enamored with Elfrieda, the absolute love of his life, and they exchanged vows on September 28, 1957. When Jacob proposed to Elfrieda, it was under the stipulation that she understood that they would never be wealthy, but they would assuredly be blessed as they dedicated themselves to the service of the Lord. A few brief years later, they embarked on their vocation in Austria, shepherding a congregation.

Jacob leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Elfrieda; his children Evangeline (Daniel), Christell (Bob), Elfie (Brad), Beck (Rebekah), and Justin (Kathy); 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Also survived by his brothers John (Lena), Harry (Heather). Predeceased by his older brother Albert (Mary) and his younger sister Annette (Harold), his father Herman Thielmann and mother Olga Kroeker.

Jacob’s philosophy of life changed over the years; however, it was a gradual change. Real life for Jacob started with a cataclysmic conversion experience in 1946 in Germany. Up to that point, life could be characterized with a few words: hardships, stubbornness and “atheism.”  This cataclysmic experience with God brought him into the true life he had not known until then.  Since that time, he saw several stages in life, which he compared to fruit trees with blossoms, which finally develop ripened fruit.  In the end, mankind is enriched with the various vitamins of fruit.

Jesus’ teaching of love, grace and forgiveness became the very center of his soul.

God called Jacob into His grace; He called Jacob into His ministry of teaching, preaching and missionary work. God called Jacob to represent Jesus in this world which is still not willing to be confronted by the challenges of Jesus. For Jacob, Jesus became the center, his philosophy of life. For Jacob living is Christ and now to die is gain.

There will be a small Celebration of Life, for family, on “Family Day”, February 19^th at 11:00am, at the Orchards, Vineland.

Many thanks to the Orchards for their wonderful care and love for Jacob.