James Toews, age 86, of Iroquois, passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at the Good Samaritan Society at De Smet. His funeral service was held at 10:30 AM, Friday, February 15th at the Faith Mennonite Church, rural Iroquois. Burial was in the Faith Mennonite Church Cemetery.
James Wallace Toews was born November 4, 1932, to David and Katharina (Reimer) Toews in Steinbach, Manitoba. He was the third child of seven children. He began school in Ste. Anne, Manitoba.
At the age of ten, he, together with his family, moved by train to Inman, Kansas. He completed his education in the rural schools in Kansas.
Dad gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on April 17, 1949, by Minister Harry Wenger. He was faithful to his commitment. Dad left us a good example by his consistent, simple way of life.
Dad often spoke of his two years spent in Topeka, Kansas, for 1-W service. It was an enjoyable time of his life. In the spring of 1957, he moved to South Dakota to farm. On June 11, 1957, he was joined in marriage to our mother, Olive Wohlgemuth, at Steinbach, Manitoba. They made their home in the Bancroft and Yale area where they raised their five children. They shared sixty-one happy years together.
Dad enjoyed farming, carpenter work, and tending his sheep. He taught us to be careful and diligent about our work. He was always interested in the weather, often recording rainfall and temperature. In his retirement years, watching and feeding birds were a highlight. Many friends and good memories were made while volunteering at the Rochester Guest House.
About one and a half years ago, Dad was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Throughout this time, he maintained his positive attitude. Again, he left us an example of patience and gratitude.
We often remember Dad praying for his children and grandchildren.
Left with many good memories are his loving wife, Olive of Osceola; his children, Wesley and his wife, Linda Toews of De Smet, Valerie and her husband, Delton Wiebe of Yale, Edith and her husband, Rodney Yost of Iroquois, Murray and his wife, Shanon Toews of Yale, and Brian and his wife, Nan Toews of Yale; sixteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his siblings, Pearl Ensz of Moundridge, Kansas, Betty and her husband, Clarence Penner of Osceola and Clara Toews of Hillsboro, Kansas; sister-in-law, Velda Toews of Moundridge, Kansas; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Emily Wohlgemuth of Steinbach, Manitoba, Stanley Barkman of Steinbach, Manitoba, Mildred Penner of Steinbach, Manitoba, Johnnie Warkentin of Steinbach, Manitoba, Norman and his wife, Darlene Wohlgemuth of Bredenbury, Saskatchewan, Libby Wohlgemuth of Oak Lake, Manitoba and Frances Goossen of Grandview, Manitoba; and a host of family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; one sister; three brothers-in-law; and three sisters-in-law.