Jake Stolk

1942 - 2026

 Jacob Stolk passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in Taber on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at the age of 83 years.

Jake is survived by his wife Laura; daughters Renae (David) Lech of Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan and Darby Stolk (Val Canatonquin) of Calgary; grandchildren Allie (Sean) Rogers and Erin Lech; extended grandkids Vrai and Marvin Canatonquin; his cherished great grandchildren Sonny and Holland; sisters Corrie Abell, Greta Guenter and Gloria Arnott as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jake was born September 10, 1942 in Naaldyk, Holland to Frank and Cora Stolk. At the age of six, he immigrated via ship with his family to Canada, landing in Quebec before taking the train west to Coaldale. Initially the family settled in Iron Springs before creating their new Canadian farming roots in the Purple Springs area of Alberta. Jake shared in many farming operations with his big brother Bill for many years. Together they shared the work load and taught their kids the value of hard work, team work and the integrity of a good ol' hand shake. Jake was always there to help other farmers if the need arose, whether it be combining, grain hauling, bailing hay, it didn't matter, helping was most important.

Jake and Laura sold the farm and moved to Medicine Hat in 1997 to enjoy a well deserved and more relaxed lifestyle. There would be no more two hour shifts in minus thirty temperatures calving out and no more 5:30 A.M. irrigation pipe shutdowns and moves. He could finally focus on his love of watching sports, planting gardens and flowers and of course joining as many curling leagues as possible.

Jake loved and treasured his family more than anything. He was so proud and talked incessantly about his great grandsons Sonny and Holland. Jake was so happy when his daughter Renae took up curling (he coached her curling team at the Alberta Winter Games) and when she married a fellow farmer he gained a SON-in-law. Luckily his other daughter Darby was interested in his passion for fishing and would join at every opportunity. She was also the son he didn't have and loved learning all about the farming necessities and ins and outs.

Jake was steadfast in his opinions and was not shy to voice them. The Taber Times and several other newspapers often received letters when he felt it necessary to voice his disapproval or objection to a specific subject matter.

The Funeral Service was held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. A private burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden. 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Jake’s name may be made directly to the Taber and District Health Foundation 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 www.tdhf.ca.

A special thank you goes out to the staff and friends at the Clearview Lodge. You all took such amazing care of Jake for the past few years. Our family is so thankful and appreciative of all your support. To the EMS, nurses and doctors at the Taber Hospital, we are beyond grateful for the amazing care you gave to dad during his time there. The support and compassion you all displayed to dad and our family was incredible and is truly appreciated.