Doerksen, John L. (1924-1963)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1963 Nov 29 p. 18

Birth date: 1924 Nov 27

text of obituary:

JOHN L. DOERKSEN

John L. Doerksen, 38, died in Winnipeg General Hospital on Tuesday, Oct. 29, after many months of illness.

Funeral services were conducted from the M.B. Church at Winkler on Saturday Nov. 2. The service was attended by a large congregation of relatives friends and students,

Officiating in English was Dr. F. C. Peters and in German the Rev. J. J. Neufeld both of Winnipeg. Peter Koslowsky of Niverville sang, "Ich werde kein Fremdling dort sein" and "Wenn ich am Ufer des Jordans steh" and the Lowe Farm Collegiate choir sang two numbers.

Br. Doerksen was born in Russia but came to Canada with his parents when still a child, and settled a Clearbrook, where his parents still live. At 15 he was saved and joined the church in the following year. He spent four years at MBBC, and in 1948 was married to the former Susan Warkentin of Whitewater. He has spent the last 8 years teaching in various schools in Southern Manitoba (6 years at the Lowe Farm Collegiate); completed his B.A. at the University of Manitoba in 1962. During these years he was active in the Grossweide church.

In December, 1962 a medical checkup indicated an attack of Hodgkin's Disease, but he rallied under treatment. A few months later more treatments were given, but the disease slowly took its course. During his illness he never complained, and today he rests as a silent testimony of complete surrender to the perfect will of God.

Sister Doerksen was able to spend the latter days of his earthly pilgrimage at his bedside. The Lord was very near; it was most precious (for her) to hear his last words: "It is lovely, It is wonderful!"

Left to mourn his early passing are his wife, 5 children, parents, 5 brothers, 4 sisters, and a host of friends.