In Loving Memory of
Russell Stanley Jacobs
January 17, 1943 – March 10, 2026
Funeral Service with Live Stream
- Central Standard Time (Martensville, SK, CST): 2:00 PM — March 23, 2026
- Mountain Daylight Time (MDT): 2:00 PM — March 23, 2026
- Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): 1:00 PM — March 23, 2026
- Central Daylight Time (CDT): 3:00 PM — March 23, 2026
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT): 4:00 PM — March 23, 2026
- Oslo, Norway (CET): 9:00 PM — March 23, 2026
- Seoul, South Korea (KST): 5:00 AM — March 24, 2026
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Funeral Pamphlet
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Russell Stanley Jacobs Obituary
Russell was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan on January 17th, 1943. It was a chilly Sunday evening when Russell took his first breath. When he was five, he was very anxious to learn to read so he begged our Mom to let him go along with his older siblings to Coral school, a country school near our home. And read he did, avidly, the rest of his life. His reading was typically about wars and spies of WW 2 and especially about Norway’s role in the war.
Russell was very nearsighted as a child so frequently walked into fences and scratched his face. He had a rather large scar on his face and when people would ask in later years what happened, he would say, “You’ve heard of the Korean War, haven’t you?” implying his scars were war injuries! Of course, he was not believed.
When he was 12 years old, Russell chose to walk in God’s way. A few years later, one morning, he said he wouldn’t be going to meetings anymore, adding, “I’ll never be a preacher!” He missed one Sunday morning meeting but was there the next Sunday and continued to the end of his life.
Russell finished High School in Pangman, SK, and went on to University in Saskatoon where he had four enjoyable years boarding in Joe and Vivian Burns’ home. After graduating with a degree in Agricultural Economics, he worked for a year for the Saskatchewan government before returning home to work with Dad on the farm. He loved farming.
In 1966, Russell chose to give up earthly prospects and carry forth the Gospel to needy souls. In 1972, it was suggested to him that he go to Norway, which he did, and continued with Gospel work in Scandinavian countries until August of this last year. He loved those lands and even in his most recent letters, he shared news from Norway. Plainly his heart was there.
Russell kept in touch with his university classmates and had plans to reunite later this year with those who still remain.
In April of 2021, Russell had a major stroke, but thanks to wonderful medical care, he survived. When he was discharged, the doctor said to him in an abrupt bedside manner, “Your head is good but your heart is terrible!” However, sometime later, Russell returned to Norway, where he happily spent a few more years. Since returning to SK, he was glad to meet family and friends again. He spent the last months in active mission work with his kind and caring companion, Scott McChesney. He appreciated so much the care of all in the Kindersley and Swift Current field.
Russell leaves behind three sisters, Ruth Jacobs and Evie Smock of California, Mabel Jacobs of Korea, six nieces and nephews, along with a host of friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Esther Jacobs, and two older brothers, Lucien and an infant brother.
Russell’s wish was “to die in the harness,” and through God’s kindness, that was accomplished.
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In 1994 Erv and I took in Vassa, Orsa. and Stokke conventions. It helped us understand the effort our workers put in =to this Great work. I hope God will find some one to fill Russell’s Boots. Mabel. I remember the dinner we had together when you were home last. Could we be so fortunate again ? Love you and pray the God of all Comfort will comfort you. Condolences to your sisters.
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It has been an absolute privilege for Ross and myself to view Russell’s funeral service. Our families have been close for many years with our mother’s being good friends. Mabel and Evie and I have kept in touch over the years. I remember Russell coming to Australia for conventions many years ago. We were able to travel to Rochedale convention near Brisbane and have a short visit with Russell at that time. Then Mabel came to visit for conventions recently and was able to be in our home. It was so very SPECIAL to reconnect after over 50 years. I moved to Australia around the same time Mabel went to Korea to labour., and our paths had not crossed since until last year. Many thanks to Jim, Dean, Mildred and Larry for the beautiful, perfect service. “When we give and when we serve we can remain a gift.” Also, many thanks to Lorne and all who helped behind the scenes to make this a very SPECIAL day. Kindest thoughts go to all Russell’s family and friends, from Ross and JoAnne Campbell, Glen Innes, NSW Australia
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Regards from Esme Jensen . Thankful for Gods faithful servant and the example of godliness left.
Jeanette Lukritz is sending this in Esme’s part I was in Europe for conventions but did not reach to Norway. Trusting all know our Fathers comfort
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A wonderful end for a humble quiet Godly servant.
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Thanks so much for the video. It was a privilege to be acquainted with Russell.
Remembering him at Santee and Hong Kong convention..
My condolences to Ruth and Evie..
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Sympathies to Russel’s sisters. Special memories of Russell and how he gladly served to the end..
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This comes with gratefulness to have had the privilege to share in Russell’s service on-line. We very much value his years in Europe, and although our paths didn’t cross often, we feel one with all our European workers. Think of Mabel especially and his two sisters and their families and extend heartfelt sympathy.
With love in Christ, a sister and servant, Sharon Worden (Ukraine staff)
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Thinking very much of you Dear Mabel and all the family at this time. I have very special memories of Russell on convs rounds and his humble spirit and help in and out of the meetings.
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Sympathy to Russell’s family & friends. Also to the friends & workers in Saskatchewan & in the Scandinavian countries. Russell will be missed.. We were at the Denmark Convention when Russell & Mark arrived there. That was our first time there also. Our last visit with Russell & Inge Andre was in August 2025. From Lloyd, Gilbert & Gayle Haugen
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Thoughts are with you so much dear Mabel in your great loss.
We surely appreciated Russell when he visited Italy.
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Russell was a tender Shepherd with the spirit of a lamb. Always compassionate and caring. We didn’t see his human nature, he was an empty vessel filled with the Spirit.
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What a privilege and inspiration to watch and listen to the service today. Stirring and helpful to the soul, as was Russell’s life in Christ. Very thankful to have been with him at Stokke, Norway conv last Summer, and to see the grace in his spirit as he contemplated and accepted returning to Canada, leaving a huge part of his heart behind. Thank you for including us today. Our hearts were fed and fortified.
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A beautiful service for a life lived for the things of heaven.. Russell was a quiet, gentle man who lived often in the background, but left a lovely influence of what he did and was. An inspiration to me and to many.
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Always appreciated Russell’s kind and gentle ways. Thinking of you Mabel and your dear sisters.
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My sincere sympathies to Russell’s sisters, and to the staff of workers and our friends in Norway… Russell’s care and brotherly kindness shown towards me, his spirit of humility, his deep value for his relationships with others in the ministry and in fellowship, and the bread he shared by his life and by his spirit remains with me until today. He will be missed by many, as his life has made impressions on many…
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A faithful service
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Farewell to a Dear Friend and a Faithful Servant ! Have known Russell for many years . A very steady Brother . My Sincere Condolance to all the Family Members .
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heartfelt sympathy to his family. remember him as a young man coming to convention with his mom and sisters
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Thank you to Russell and all other Scandinavian workers for their thoughtfulness and kindness on my visit to conventions in Finland, Norway and Sweden. Feel so fortunate to introduce my wife and our kids to Russell at Buttonwillow this year!
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På gjensyn Cousin.
Love, Murray & Susan Jacobs
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Thinking of U….
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I am very happy that this tribute is being telecast.
I knew the Jacobs family through my connection.,in High school in Pangman and then in Nursing with Evelyn. .The family was (is) respected by all.
Russell, has been helpful to many and respected by all.
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We are so grateful to have known Russell and the Jacob’s family many years. Very Very Thankful for his Faithful life!
Special love and thoughts go to all the family.
Love Don&Donna Dolgopol
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Glad to listen in.
Gary, Fern & Monica
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We always appreciated Russell’s quiet spirit.
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We are thinking of you dear Mabel & your sisters with deep feelings for your loss. He will be missed but glad he has gone on to something better. Love from Frank & Bev O
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Rodney and Gloria Tebb
We have many fond memories of Russell, what an Inspiration he was to all
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I have fond memories of dear Russell in our field in Moose Jaw when I was a teenager. He was such a Godly kind humble man & he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We send our love & sympathy to his family these days as you say goodbye to your dear bro. Gary & Bev (Radom) Taylor
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We look forward to listening/watching Russell’s memorial today here in Phoenix AZ & feel very thankful for the bonds of the gospel shared with the Jacobs family thru the years. Ruth, Mabel & Evie, be assured you are loved & remembered with great appreciation now & always.
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A journey well troden and completed
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We are especially thinking of you and your family these days Mable. So grateful for Russell’s faithful years of labour in the Gospel and the memories of his gentle spirit. With sympathy Bob and Marilyn.
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We think of you all as you gather to say goodbye to a wonderful servant of god.
The Jacobs family and our families
(Stewart, Petersen, Daku) have been connected for years. Auntie Mildred brought Russell’s mom, Esther, to the Stewart home for weekends when my mom, Mae (Stewart) Petersen was just a little girl at home in Hardy, Sk. Russell and Cliff went to University in Saskatoon at the same time and introduced his siblings ( Mable and Evie) to us!! We enjoyed Russell in our home ( Wayne & Marg) on several occasions. We loved Russell’s quiet godly influence and his wonderful sense of humor. He always showed an interest in whatever was going on in the home, the times he stayed or visited us. We will miss him, but heaven will be richer.
Sincerely,
Marg & Wayne Daku
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The spirit of a lamb indeed. Think of you Mable, severed earthly ties are so painful but we know God will comfort!
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Thinking of all gathered together today in honor of Russell. Remembering his life and the effect his life has had in the lives of many… I too think of him as Pleasant, kind and harmless… lovely Spirit.
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I have fond memories of Russell. Particularly of our trip to South Dakota for convention along with Mildred Ausenhaus. A lot of hours to have interesting discussions!!
Good days
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Sister worker Mabel Jacobs, Rusell’s younger sister, has been working as a God’s servant for one year in Busan Korea with her companion Ardythe Insco
, also from Canada.
Last week, all the friends in Busan were very surprised to hear the news of brother worker Rusell’s sudden death.
Especially, Mabel was about to return Canada just after the Korean Convention in May and all we can’t help but feel deep sorry.
Above all, our Korean friends are deeply respectful and grateful for the love and good example of the deceased who had sacrificed and devoted himself like our Lord Jesus from his youth to his last moments.
Our Buan friends offer Mabel a great consolation and sincerely hope that tomorrow’s funeral will be well done in our Lord Jesus.
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Sweet is the rest that comes at close of day. Loving memories of Russell,
From: Chris and Gina Moyle
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Russell was one of the most humble, kind, and sincere workers I ever knew! His presence just portrayed a spirit of peace and joy. He will be sadly missed.
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We valued our time with Russell and know he has gone on to his reward
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Dear Ruth , Mabel, and Evie
Our thoughts go your way at this time as the earthly tie is broken with your very dear brother . He was much loved by us as by you dear ones . We appreciated having him amongst us, and at preps days , a servant and gentle one who gave his all .
With love. Alex and Isabelle Howden
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Dear Ruth Mabel And Evie thoughts go your way!
Russell has made it home, graduation day no more studies or tests
A dear brother in thought and deed..
His gentle spirit will be missed.
With brotherly love.
Robbie, Elva and family
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Russell was a great help to us in our move from Australia to Iceland, and then also at conventions when we went there to Scandinavian convs. During those years, his correspondence was valued. He was a Godly man of help to many.
Geoff & Marion (now Scotland)
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Dear Ruth, Mabel and Evie
Thinking of each of you these days in saying goodbye to your brother Russell. I value personal time that we have spent together in recent years and deeply thankful for our Peebles roots and choices that our parents made so many years ago that bind us together even today. We will be with you in our hearts and thoughts in love
Don and Evelyn Z
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“Called home to rest . . . The loving Father, He has willed it so”. Dear Mabel, Ruth, and Evie – our thoughts go your way these days, as you deal with the loss of your dear brother, Russell. I first met Russell at Smeaton Preps in 1967. Before meeting him, I had often heard his name from my older sisters, who so appreciated him giving them rides to meeting and young folks get togethers.
My two outstanding memories of Russell are, first when I, along with my parents and sister, Thelma, visited him and Haaken in Norway in 1974. His love for Norway and his part in the ministry there was obvious. My next memory is Russell coming to visit Mom and I in Saskatoon, after the loss of Dad in June 1989. His visit was a comfort to us. He understood our mixed emotions of joy and sorrow. You, too, will be experiencing these emotions these days – your memories of Russell’s life and God’s presence will comfort you.
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Dear Evie, Ruth and Mable,
You will miss your brother but will be forever grateful for his influence and memories. Russel was a family friend from my childhood as were you all.
With love,
Brad and Marion (Howden) Hudey
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Mr. Russell has lived as a servant of God all his life, and ended his life in this world and was held in God’s arms. I pray for your peaceful sleep. I have never seen you in person in this world, but I know you well because I have heard about your wonderful appearance. I hope that I will follow your will and live my life in this world and meet you in heaven and share precious friendships. Thank you.
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I was deeply grieved to hear of your profound loss. Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences. I humbly pray that the one who has departed to the Kingdom of Heaven may rest in eternal peace, embraced by God’s infinite love and mercy. May the Lord’s comfort and grace gently surround you and your beloved family during this time of sorrow. May you be granted strength, solace, and peace, and may the precious memories you shared bring quiet comfort to your hearts.
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Special thoughts your way Mabel. At the loss of your dear brother.
I have good memories of his gentle spirit and help
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Dear sisters of Russel . I know you will all miss your dear brother.
But just cherish the memories and seek to have Jesus as your best friend like he did . He had that meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price . A friend and sister , Gail McMurray
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I remember a very sincere and earnest young man, working with Stanley Sharpe in Regina in 1967. I saw him as an example of respectful
And virtuous behaviour. I could not imagine him ever intending any harm. It is easy to reach back 60 years and recall that influence. I am grateful.
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We miss Russell alot here in Norway, good memoris of our years in the work together and later years as well. 🌹
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We appreciated his coming to California during his home visits. He was a very gentle man.
He once had me shorten his suit pants at Santee…
He was very gracious, in spite of my inexperience!
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Russell was guileless and childlike… his Christlike spirit fed us. His influence lives on. We will miss him.
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We appreciated Russell’s ministry and spirit very much when he came to Bangladesh for Conv. He will be missed but not forgotten.
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Dear Russell was a faithful correspondent for many years after his visit to NZ in the 90s I think it was. We wrote for many years & I was glad I had answered his recent email before he passed away 10 days later.
I’ll never forget what an encouragement his life has been to me. Andrea Gedye
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Earla remembers Russell picking Marion and her up for Wed studies