Jacob Loewen

Jacob G. Loewen, 64, of Goshen, died peacefully Sunday, November 15, 2015, at his home, surrounded by his family. He has been a resident of Goshen since 1991.

Jacob was born on April 12, 1951 in Mountain Lake, Minnesota. He married Nancy Liechty on August 23, 1975.

She survives along with their three children; Emma (Alex) Dugger of Goshen, Nick (Janna Reiff) Loewen of Oakland, California, and Jesse Loewen of Goshen, his parents, Melvin and Elfrieda (Regier) Loewen of Goshen; two grandchildren; Elliott and Wesley Dugger, and five siblings; Barbara Loewen of Baltimore, Maryland, Margaret (Bob Yoder) Loewen of Lamar, Colorado, John (Wendy) Loewen of Rockville, Maryland, James Loewen of Santa Monica, California and Lisa (Joe) Ebersole of Corvallis, Oregon.

The oldest of six, Jake was born during an April snowstorm in southern Minnesota. At age 5 his parents moved the family to Belgium and then the Congo where they worked as missionaries and in education. Upon leaving Africa in 1967 they settled briefly in Fresno, California where he graduated from high school in 1969. Jake moved to Goshen and graduated from Goshen College in 1975 with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies. He and Nancy departed for the Washington D.C. area in 1977, and Jake worked as a paper hanger while he completed a teaching certificate in Industrial Arts from the University of Maryland. During this time Jake and Nancy’s two oldest children, Emma and Nick, were born.

From 1984-1987 the family lived in Kingston, Jamaica as volunteers with Mennonite Central Committee and Jake taught woodworking at a vocational school. After returning to the United States Jake studied at the Rhode Island School of Design where he received an MFA in Furniture Design in 1990. While in Rhode Island Jake gained valued skills working with a master stair builder.

The family relocated to Goshen in 1991 and Jake taught Industrial Arts at Goshen High School from 1991-1993. In 1994 he started a furniture and millwork business which later became the Jake Loewen Wood Studio. In 1995 the Loewen’s third child, Jesse, was born. Running his own business and initially working out of his home allowed Jake to be very involved in the care of his 3 children.

Jake was dedicated to the craft and method of woodworking. He articulated his specific sense of structure and form through furniture design and architectural woodwork, and also created pieces with glass, steel and marble. The authenticity he sought in his work was equally apparent in his personal life. In the fall of 2014, several months after being diagnosed with brain cancer, Jake completed his final project of 20 children's tables for a Chicago Montessori school.

Jake had an agile and deeply curious mind. This led to a far-reaching knowledge of poetry, music, photography, machinery, history, mythology and theology. He was integrally resourceful and could fix almost anything. Friends often commented on his gentle spirit, wry sense of humor, and wonderful use of language. One good friend described him as a cynical optimist.

Jake mentored a number of aspiring craftsmen and shared insight with dreamers and problem solvers. He was keenly aware of those in this world with less and was generous with his time in helping others. He volunteered with Interfaith Hospitality Network, taught Sunday school at College Mennonite Church where he was a member, organized the sending of woodworking tools to Jamaica and more recently supported water access projects in Congo.

Most of all, Jake loved his wife, Nancy, their children and grandchildren. He was a person who expressed much gratitude throughout his life for things big or small. Even when very ill, Jake said, "I just love life." He will be greatly missed.

In keeping with Jacob’s wishes cremation will take place at Yoder-Culp Crematory.

Family and friends may call Friday, November 20, 2015, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Gathering Room at College Mennonite Church. A memorial service will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, at College Mennonite Church.

A private burial will take place at Violett Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, Interfaith Hospitality Network, or AIMM (Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission).