Jacob Mantel was born on July 20, 1912 in Andijk, the Netherlands. He was the youngest of five boys. He married Grace Nierop in 1937 and with four children (Jim, Walter, Ida and Tena) immigrated to Houston, BC in 1948. They arrived in Terrace, BC in 1951 and there were blessed with two more children, Norman and Dick. He bought a 5-acre parcel of land on Kalum St. and farmed this land growing potatoes, vegetables and flowers. He was a meticulous gardener and took great pride in his work. With his wife Grace (who predeceased him in 1985) they worked the farm together. Jacob was a charter member of the Christian Reformed Church and Centennial Christian School. He was a loyal supporter of both. He was blessed with 24 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. The last five years of his life were spent in Edmonton where he received extended care. He died peacefully on November 25, 2002. He was a quiet, gentle man who will be missed by all who knew him.
His children:
Jim (Jane-deceased) Mantel, Terrace, BC
Walter (Linda) Mantel, Terrace, BC
Ida (John) Reedyk, Lethbridge, AB
Tena (Allan) de Jong, Calgary, AB
Norman (Geri) Mantel,
Red Deer, AB
Dick (Tilly) Mantel, Edmonton AB