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Jacob Toews

By Erin Wilbur Nov 8, 2023 | 3:06 AM

June 23, 1928 – November 7, 2023

Our beloved father Jacob Toews Sr. passed away peacefully at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, Kenora, Ontario, on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the age of 95, with his family by his side. He will be deeply missed by his family as he played a big part in our lives.

He was born in Rheinland, Manitoba, on June 23, 1928, to Abram and Helena Toews, and was raised on farms in southern Manitoba with his 16 siblings. Jacob met the love of his life Wilhelmina in Manitoba. He left to explore Western Canada before joining the Army with the Royal Canadian Engineers. Jacob was stationed in Germany where his eldest son was born. Following honorable discharge, Jacob moved to Kenora in 1958 and raised his family while maintaining many different jobs over the years, most notably opening Jake’s Saw and Tool Sharpening.

Everyone that met him was taken aback by his charm and willingness to help others, but his pride and joy was his family. He made a point to call and speak with his family every single day and even adapted to video calls in his 80’s. Every morning he would set out driving on his patrol around Kenora to check up on his family and make sure all was well in town, including the day of his passing.

He leaves behind his children Robert (Georgina) Toews, Audrey Toews, Amber (Paul) Toews, Jacob (Pamela) Toews Jr., Wilhelmina Toews Jr., Daniel (Shanna) Toews. Grandchildren Deanne (Todd) Dolk, Matt (Ashley) Toews, Craig (Sara) Lindstrom, Dave (Lisa) Toews, Amy (Jon) Weight, Kale (Kristina) Toews, Kainan (Rosie) Duggan, Nathan (Monica) Duggan, Joshua (Jaime) Romancio, Jessica Romancio, Uriah Toews, Ethan Toews, Marina (Carson) Boyes, Willem Toews, Joel Toews, Adam Toews, Natalie Toews, Rebecca Toews, Lauren Toews. Great Grandchildren Locklin, Rowan, Jude, Maudie, Liam, Charlee, Sadie, Edwin, Cicily, Sylas. He is survived by siblings Jack (Pat), Pete (Elsie), Agatha (Ray), Helen, Gerturde, Sue, Neta.

He was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children Wilhelmina. Wives Alice, and Betty-Jo; daughter Arlene, son Leslie, parents Helena and Abram, siblings Agatha (age 7), Mary, Bill, Abe, David, Diedrich, Tina, Julius and Anne.

Jacob’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to all the supportive housing staff that went above and beyond to ensure he was well loved and supported in his home and also to Dr. Giles and nurses in the ER for the care he received.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Knox United Church, Kenora, ON,. A viewing to take place prior to the service at 10:30 a.m. All friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to be made to Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation, 21 Sylvan Street West, Kenora, ON P9N 3W7.