Montezuma - Jake J. Redger was born to Julius and Leah Schmidt Redger on June 21, 1924 near Tampa, Kansas. He left this world just like he lived in it - quietly and peacefully - at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas, on April 27, 2014. He was just 2 months short of 90 years old.

Dad received his education at the Bell Top Grade School near Durham. At the age of nineteen, he answered the call of Jesus and was born again and baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on November 23, 1943, by Minister David J. Koehn. He remained faithful to God and the church unto the end.

Dad married our mother, Erma Ensz, at Inman, on a beautiful spring day on May 10, 1950. They left in their light green 1947 Ford for their 160 acre farm just north of Durham. Here is where their six children were born and raised. They farmed and ran a dairy for 25 years, instilling good work ethics in their children. In 1975 they moved to Texline, Texas, to farm and ranch. Dad loved the wide open spaces of Texas and New Mexico, where he enjoyed raising beef cattle and working with his faithful dog. Dad and Mom lived in Texas for 29 years until they retired in 2004 and moved to Hardin, to live near their Montana children and grandchildren.

In November of 2007, Dad met the biggest trial of his life when Mom died of cancer. Though he was very lonely, Dad bravely walked on. However, his health began to fail, and his youngest daughter, Faith, moved in to help him. We are thankful for her loving care of Dad.

On November 1, 2010, Dad moved to Bethel Home at Montezuma. He graciously accepted this change in his life and often said that Bethel Home was far better than he deserved. We appreciate all the loving care from the staff and the Christian atmosphere at Bethel Home. Dad loved to listen to singing and often made remarks about all the beautiful singing he was able to enjoy. Many times he would ask the family to sing for him.

After Dad's move to Bethel Home he was blessed again with one of his daughters caring for him. Joyce made many trips to Montezuma to spend time with dad. We will always be thankful for her faithful service!

Dad's life was an inspiration. Even though he was a quiet man, he was not afraid to speak for his Lord. His kind nature made it easy for anyone and everyone to love him. And how he loved children! He had a way with them. We can see the light on his face yet, as they would come and sit upon his knee. He often had some tracts in his pocket and would hand them to people he met.

In the last few weeks before he died, the whole family was able to visit him. We feel the Lord was preparing us for that day when he would wing his flight to that home where we believe he will live forever with the Lord he loved and the family he treasured.

Those left to cherish fond memories are two sons: Merle and wife Vyla, and Lyle and wife Kay, Hardin, Montana; four daughters, Joyce Redger, Jewel and husband Stuart Jantzen, Ulysses, Kansas; Kristal and husband Russell Koehn, Oroville, California; and Faith and husband Jason Isham, Hardin, Montana; 15 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; two brothers, Henry, Moundridge, Walt and wife Alberta, Montezuma. He was predeceased by his wife, parents, one grandson, five brothers, and five sisters.

Funeral service will be held at Big Horn Valley Mennonite Church in Hardin, Montana on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Hardin. Visitation will be at Bethel Home in Montezuma on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.