Doerksen, Maria Classen (1896-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Jun 4 p. 8

Birth date: 1896 Aug 22

text of obituary:

MRS. B. H. DOERKSEN

Mrs. B. H. Doerksen (Maria Classen) was born on August 22, 1896, in Jansen, Neb., and passed away to be with the Lord on May 3, 1959, at 2:00 p.m. in the Fowler, Kan. hospital. She reached the age of 62 years, eight months and 12 days.

On Sept. 26, 1920, she was united in marriage to B. H. Doerksen [Bernard H.] at Satanta, Kansas. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Meade, Kansas, making their home on a farm south of Meade.

In her early youth she sensed her need of a Savior and gave her life to Him. She was baptized on July 5, 1914, by Rev. Abraham L. Friesen and received into the Kleingeminde [sic Kleine Gemeinde]] Church. In April 1944 she joined the Emmanuel Church and in the year 1950, together with her husband, she joined the E.M.B. Church at Meade, where she remained a faithful member until her death.

She is survived by her husband; seven children, Willie [William C.] of Hollister, Calif., Pete of Reedley, Calif., Ben of Meade, Kansas, Helen (Mrs. Nick Ediger) [Helena (Mrs. Nikolai Ediger] of Meade, Tena [Katharina] (Mrs. Walter Ediger) of Fresno, Calif., Henry of Hutchinson, Adena (Mrs. Andrew Nachtigal) of Kansas City, Kan.; four daughters-in-law; three sons-in-law, 14 grandchildren; her mother-in-law, Mrs. B. D. Doerksen of Satanta; three brothers, Henry R. Classen of Meade, John R. Classen of Dallas, Ore., C. F. Classen of Meade; five sisters, Mrs. Jacob R. Friesen of Meade, Mrs. P. J. Rempel of Meade, Mrs. Isaac W. Loewen of Meade, Mrs. John Kroeker of Jansen, Nebr., and Mrs. Nick Reimer of Meade; one uncle, A. J. Classen of Salix, Iowa; and a host of friends who mourn her departure.

On Feb. 9 of this year, she suffered a slight stroke and was taken to the Epworth hospital, Liberal, Kansas. After treatment and rest there, she was again able to go home. During this time she was able to be up and around, even attending church services most of the time.

On April 12, during a Sunday evening service, she responded with others in a public testimony of her faith in God. Her deepest concern was always for her family and others.

The Scripture verse, Psalm 62:8, was a favorite of hers, “Trust in Him at all times, . . . God is a refuge for us.:” Also the song ”This World Is Not My Home” was often heard from her lips. Now she has arrived at her eternal Home where her faith has become sight.

Funeral services were held at the E.M.B. church at Meade on May 7 at 2 p.m. All seven children were able to be present. Rev. Arnold Wall officiated at the church service, and Rev. J. W. Fast, pastor of the Emmanuel church, officiated at the graveside. A male quartet in charge of Henry Z. Friesen provided music.