Derksen, John (1888-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1978 Feb 03 p. 31

Birth date: 1888 Aug 10

text of obituary:

REV. JOHN A. DERKSEN

Rev. John A. Derksen was born to Aron and Anna Derksen (nee Zacharias) on August 10,1889 in Blumstein, Molotschna colony, in southern Russia. Here he spent his childhood and youth. For seven years he served in the Forestry Service and during the First World War in the Red Cross. Upon his discharge in 1918 he married Katherine Friesen, a marriage blessed with eight children, two of whom predeceased them.

The events of the First World War and the Russian revolution influenced his life significantly. Constant protection in the face of war, disease and death led him to a growing awareness of God. This and the realization of the futility of self-righteousness, led him and his wife to commit their lives to Jesus Christ. Shortly after their baptism, he was ordained to the ministry in the Allianz (Alliance Mennonite Brethren) Church. Political uncertainties influenced them to emigrate to Canada in 1926.

For 16 years the family farmed at Newton Siding, Manitoba, where he served as leader of the newly-founded church. In 1942 the family moved to the Niagara area in southern Ontario, where they farmed and Rev. Derksen was involved in the ministry in the Virgil Mennonite Brethren Church_ In 1959 they retired to St. Catharines, joining first the Scott St. Church and, after the organization of the Grantham Church, joining it in 1974. In 1968 he and his wife celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. His wife went to be with the Lord in 1973.

He was in his 89th year when he went to be with the Lord. On the last day of his life, November 9, he took some roses to his neighbours and shared with them that he was happy but weary and that he longed to be with his Redeemer and reunited with his wife. God honoured that yearning moments later.

He leaves to mourn three daughters, and three sons, one son-in-law and three daughters-in-law, 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.