Jacob Schiebelbein
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Jacob “Jack” Schiebelbein on April 30, 2023 in his 101st year. He was predeceased by his wife, Paula; his infant son, Joseph and numerous brother, sisters and in-laws. He is survived by his children, Vern (Barb) Schiebelbein of Medicine Hat AB,
Bernadette (Barry) Stubbington of Edmonton AB, Gerri Olfert (the late Bert) of Saskatoon SK, Marian (Randy) Chotowetz of Midland ON, Joan (Wayne) Sieben of Lacombe AB, Maynard (Debbie) Schiebelbein of Medicine Hat, AB; grandchildren, Jesse, Stacey. Alicia, Candace, Karli, Blake, Brett, Christie, Aaron, Lisa, Julia, Stephanie, Amy, Rebecca, Sarah, Nicholas, Samantha, Dylan, Renee, Michele, Stephanie; and 31 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. Brother, Con Schiebelbein; sister, Julianna (Don) Harlock; In-laws, Jovita Schiebelbein, Gabrielle Schiebelbein and Connie Sheen.
Jack’s family was delighted that they could celebrate his 100th birthday with him on February 18, 2023. Each member wrote a special memory of him which was put in a book for Jack to enjoy on his own time. Of course there was much singing and loud laughter. Jack’s life journey began in 1923 as one of 15 children being raised on a farm in the St. Donatus District of Saskatchewan. The Schiebelbein’s were a lively, loud bunch and Jack told many tale’s of life on the farm. Speaking of loud, Jack had a booming voice, and he could often be heard singing over the noise of the tractor when he was many kilometres away! Jack loved to tell the tales of walking to school during a snow storm, all up hill with binder twine around his feet instead of shoes. Don’t know if the stories were true or not but they were entertaining. He worked on and off in the lumber camps in northern Ontario and many, many more stories came out of that time. He was particularly proud of being the lumber camp arm wrestling champ. Jack married Paula Rolheiser in 1947 and in 1951, they settled near Major, Saskatchewan to farm and raise six children. His contributions to the Major community were numerous such as, helping to fundraise and build the rink, the church and the community hall. He was very proud of being able to donate blood multiple, multiple times and always voted. He was especially involved in the Knights of Columbus and curling. Speaking of the K of C, he always told a story about riding a goat at the meetings (not sure what it meant) and what happened at curling bonspiels stayed at curling bonspiels. Jack was affectionately known as “Joker Jack”. One can only imagine the shenanigans that earned him the name. When he was particularly goofy, Polly would smile her little smile and say “Na, Jack!” Jack took great joy in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He attended all of the school functions and sporting events. Every generation can remember the hours spent playing cards where Jack made silly faces while contemplating his next move. Some of us still do that! All of his grandkids fondly remember him taking out his false teeth and giving them his gummy smile. His face really lit up when the littlest ones came to visit and he would hold them for hours. In 1989 Jack and Polly “retired” to Kindersley where he especially enjoyed fishing and taking walks with Polly by the river. Of course, his social and community life was as active in Kindersley as it was in Major. Jack’s laugh could often be heard over the crowd. His curling skills helped him to excel in bowling. He loved the Kindersley sports teams and was very proud of the many events that went on in Kindersley. Always being active, he enjoyed being able to walk everywhere whether he lived on O’Connor Cres. or on the Main Street.
He ended his time in Kindersley living in Caleb Village and after Polly passed away in 2020, he moved to Rivera Meadowlands in Medicine Hat, Alberta. While at Caleb, Polly was moved to the Heritage Manor and Dad rarely missed a day visiting her. They were married for 73 years and his devotion to Polly was inspiring. Jack continued his social activities at both retirement homes and was delighted to have a new audience at Meadowlands to laugh at his jokes and stories. He continued his love of sports which he avidly watched on TV. Jack’s life was one of hard work, devotion to family, church and community. That’s just the way he was. And he did it all with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye!
A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 600 4th Ave, W, Kindersley, Sask. In lieu of flowers donations would be greatly appreciated to be made to The Mustard Seed www.theseed.ca. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Jacob Schiebelbein. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.