March 30, 2021
Jake Sudermann was born in Steinau, Ukraine to Jacob & Helena Sudermann (nee Klassen). Jake was the oldest of 3 children, with 2 sisters.
Jake's journeys took him to Germany, Austria, and then to Canada, arriving in Quebec City, Quebec on Oct 25, 1949 by ship on the Cunard White Star Samaria. He worked as a farm labourer La Salle, Manitoba (near Winnipeg) to pay for his passage from Europe. It was in Winnipeg that he met his sweetheart, Katie Penner. Jake and Katie married in April 1952.
When Jake found his only relatives in Canada, he moved west to join Gerhard & Maria Dyck & family in Chilliwack BC. Jake worked as a logger for 8 years, then worked at East Chilliwack Co-op for 30 years until he retired in 1992 as plant supervisor. In retirement he enjoyed his home and property and tended to his chickens and yard work.
Church life was very important to Jake, so our family attended Eden Mennonite Church in Chilliwack. Jake was always consistently involved with volunteering at church, becoming known for his dedication to ushering, greeting, & parking committees. To this day friends still remind us how great it was to be welcomed by Jake when they entered the church. He had a big presence and big handshake, welcoming all alike with a big smile which was absolutely genuine. He continued going to church until the Covid pandemic hit hard in 2020.
In 2018 he sold his farm and moved into the Birchwood Retirement Home where he lived for just over 2 years. As cancer took over, he was moved to Evergreen Long Term Care Home in White Rock where he lived only 2 more weeks. Jake passed away peacefully in White Rock BC at the age of 93.
Jake was a gracious, genuine & caring father, brother, uncle, grandfather, & great grandfather. Always willing to help others and faithful to all around him. He had a warm heart, big smile, and a warm embracing handshake. His world was a positive one and his glass was always much more than half full.
We want to thank all the medical professionals, nurses, & staff who helped dad on his journey. Special thanks to relatives & friends for all the love and support throughout Jake's life.
Jake leaves behind his children, Henry Sudermann (& Ellie) of Delta BC, Ellie (Elenore) Hanson (& John) of Surrey BC. His sister Helena and her family in Germany. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren in BC.