Doerksen, Helena Regehr (1878-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Feb 1 p. 8

Birth date: 1878 Oct 20

text of obituary:

MRS. HELENA DOERKSEN

Mrs. Helena Doerksen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Regehr, was born Oct.20, 1878 in McPherson County, near Inman, Kansas. She received her educational training in a public school south of Inman.

She was baptized upon confession of faith in her Savior Jesus Christ on June7, 1897 by Elder Abraham Ratzlaff and joined the Hoffnungsau Church. She later transferred her membership to the Bethel Church, whose faithful member she remained until her death.

She was united in marriage with Peter Doerksen on August 17, 1897. This marriage was blessed with ten children, of whom two preceded her in death. The parents spent 55 happy years on the farm. In 1952 they moved to the town of Inman, where on March 8, 1953 father passed to his reward. This left mother and Martin remaining in the home for a little over nine years.

Our parents were greatly blessed by the Lord. God gave them a long journey of life together. One of the milestones of their life was the golden wedding anniversary. The Lord prospered them materially and spiritually. But also their life was seamed at times with sorrow and cloudy days. Twice the death angel came to their home and took their children from them. However, implicit faith and trust in God helped them to overcome the trials that came to them.

Mother enjoyed good health until about 11 months ago when she was taken to the Bethesda Hospital to submit to surgery. Even though her recovery was not complete, she was able to enter the Home for the Aged at Goessel, Kansas.

On July 30, 1961, she suffered a heart attack and was taken to the Bethesda Hospital. She entered the Home again in Nov 28, 1961. Here she enjoyed the love and tender care given her until pneumonia set in and she had to be taken back to th Bethesda Hospital on Jan 7, 1962. She was conscious until death. She quietly passed away on January 18, 1962, reaching the age of 83 years, two months, and 29 days.

She leaves to mourn her death her children, Martin of the home at Inman, Katherine (Mrs. Curt Franz) of Buhler, John R. Doerksen of Buhler, Helen (Mrs. Pete Heidebrecht) of McPherson, Peter R. Doerksen of Inman, Jake R. Doerksen of Inman, Marie (Mrs. Orlando Strausz) of Buhler, Martha (Mrs. Arnold Klassen) of Newton; 23 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers; Abe T. Regehr and George A. Regehr; two sisters-in-law; also many nieces, nephews and friends. One grandson and one great-grandson preceded her in death.

Funeral services were conducted Jan. 21 at the Bethel Mennonite Church with Rev. P. A. Wedel officiating. — The Family.