LEST WE FORGET 197 MOHNINGER, Jacob “Jack” WWII Jacob “Jack” Mohninger was born on December 27, 1921, on a farm near St. Brieux, Saskatchewan. He was of German and possibly Russian decent having been born in Canada to German immigrants whose history included the Volga Germans who had spent generations cultivating land in Russia. He attended school near the family farm at Little Moose Lake and received his grade 8 which was the highest education available in the area at that time. He was one of seven children, all of whom worked on their family farm. Later he and his brothers hired themselves out to neighbouring farms to earn extra money for the family. On November 4, 1941, he volunteered for active service early during World War II with the Canadian Army and served all through Europe receiving numerous medals. He received the 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp and War Medal 1939-1945. Eventually, at the rank of Private, he received an honourable discharge returning home in November 1945. Unfortunately, his mother had died one month before and the family had been unable to get word to him and his brothers. Jack met Mary Nagy soon after coming back and apparently it was love at first sight. They married July 2, 1948, and in time moved onto their own land. There they would begin a family welcoming nine children. He gave up farming in 1970 and moved his family to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and then eventually to Lloydminster, Saskatchewan where he found employment in the oil patch operating a backhoe. He worked until his retirement at age 62 with some support from Veterans Affairs. He enjoyed this break greatly, but it was not to last. He died six years later of cancer at the age of 67, in June 1988. Jack had an amazing and brilliant mind and had there been other opportunities in his life there is no telling what he could have accomplished. He had seen so many wonders and terrors in this world but from it all, gained so much wisdom. There had been many trials in this man’s life, but what is remembered is that he was quick to smile, faster to shoot out a joke or simply amuse you with his witty demeanor. Jack refused to talk about his years in active service and resisted any questions from his curious children. However, after a chance meeting, at the Legion, with an old army buddy he had served with, and after a couple of beverages, the two talked late into the night. His youngest children, still at home, sat at their feet in rapture, not wanting to make a sound in case he remembered they were there and sent them off to bed. They spoke of laughter but also of unshed tears; of men who had made it onto the ship home and of those who did not and why. That night, Jack freed himself of so much that had been going on inside. Jack loved his children even though nine could almost run him over really. He lived to see many of his grandchildren and the pride in his eyes was undeniable. He loved cards, especially Kaiser and cribbage. He would play long into the night and passed the love of those games and of family time onto his children. He was also a shark at checkers and legend says he was a champion amongst his ranks while overseas. The leaves and branches of the family tree he planted are now immense and although he has been gone for so many years, his legacy and memory live on. His family is immensely proud of his service to this country and for the freedom we all enjoy today. We Remember; we will always remember.
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