Jake Rempel

Family is deeply saddened that our brother, uncle, and great uncle, Jacob (Jake) Rempel passed away in his home on November 4, 2023 at the age of 78 years.

He was born March 2, 1945 to John & Tina Rempel.  He was predeceased by both his parents, and his brother-in-law, Leroy Friesen.

Jake leaves to mourn Tina (Frank) Siemens, Liz (Devin) Wieler, John Rempel, David (Debby) Rempel, Henry (Margaret) Rempel and Marge Friesen and Our Mom’s church granddaughter Edna Zacharias.   Jake’s nieces and nephews: Rebecca (Shaun) Warkentin and daughter Katie; Vanessa Wieler; Clayton (Tenille) Rempel and daughter Aida; Vincent Rempel; Ethan (Beth) Rempel and sons Levi and Aiden; Holly (Scott) Houston, sons Sethren, Tristan, Maxson.

Also mourning him are Jake’s many friends and community folks.  Your role in his life was vital and significant.

His life time buddy – Ed (Moses) Heinrichs (he missed you very much this last while);  Orlando & Shelley and family – Orlando, Nathan  -- we thank you for your support of Jake, snow clearing etc.    We know the list of friends is long, and give you our heartfelt thanks

Cremation has taken place, and a come and go celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 12 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. with a short service at 1:30 p.m. at the Halbstadt Community Centre.  A private burial will take place prior to the service.

Donations in memory of Jake may be made to the Halbstadt Community Centre or to Fort Dufferin.

Jake’s Story

Family, community, history, farming and ‘spos’ (fun) combine them, and you’ve got Jake Rempel!  Jake married Phyllis Ann Sauder in 1973 (later divorced) and moved from the family homestead in Halbstadt to rent a home across from Jake Bergen’s on the Sommerfeld road. 

In 1978 he moved to the yard located close to the Halbstadt Community Centre. In 1996, Jake and brother Henry, purchased the family farm.  Jake also drove school bus and highway tractor.

He started out as quite a wild young man, and had become a real community booster! He’s been an active member of the community, having been involved in the Halbstadt Community Centre,  Halbstadt 4-H Woodworking Club,  Halbstadt Store, Altona Archives,  History Seekers and Fort Dufferin.

Jake was the historian in the Rempel family and was the keeper of Dad’s historical papers.

He was always willing to lend a hand when needed, and enjoyed sharing the produce from his garden with family and friends.

He had been known to play jokes on many people, and had also been on the receiving end of jokes and gags.  One year he even planted tomatoes in a neighbor’s tree row just to see how long it would take them to notice.  Very often, it was the “who dun it” game at his yard such as fake vegetables, or a giant red Christmas stocking.  He was pretty handy using duct tape or metal objects as gift wrapping!

Jake liked to fish, used to curl and play on the Halbstadt baseball team.

Jake was a down to earth, straight forward and decisive individual.  As the first born, he had natural leadership skills. Like all of us, he wasn’t perfect. He could be outspoken, very sure he was right, and not afraid to speak his mind. Sometimes, even a little grouchy!

 He liked to ‘smooze’ over coffee, loved to read, and enjoyed playing with animals – just ask his former neighbor Tina Friesen about ‘their’ dog Bonnie.

Jake had been known to buy his school bus kids treats at any old time, such as the time he picked up the children after their field trip in Winnipeg and had ice cream treats for everyone.

Thanks to:

Each of you who has come today, or checked in with us family, and have been so ready to lend a hand.

To the many children over the years, for being Jake’s friend. He really did enjoy interacting with you all.

Orlando & Nathan for their many years of friendship and snow removal, etc.

Special thanks to all Halbstadters for set up, clean up, parking attendants and more.  WOW what a community!

And most of all for the presence of each of you celebrating Jake, supporting him, and especially supporting Henry & Margaret,  and the rest of us Rempel clan.  Halbstadt you are amazing. WOW

Our thanks to the staff at the Altona Hospital and Jake’s doctors,  for their care.  To the Altona Ambulance, and Trevor at Wiebe’s Funeral Home.

Financal gifts may be given to Fort Dufferin, or the Halbstadt Community Centre.