Doerksen, Jacob J. (1918-2006)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2006 May 19 p. 26

Birth date: 1918 Jan 4

text of obituary:

JACOB J. DOERKSEN

Jacob Doerksen died peacefully Mar. 18. He was born Jan. 4, 1918 to Johan and Katharina Doerksen in Kleefeld, Russia. In 1926, the family moved to Canada and settled in Gem, Alta. At 13, Jake asked Jesus to come into his heart. He never doubted his salvation. He was baptized in 1936 and became a member of the Gem MB Church. He taught Sunday school and mid-week programs for children, and sang in the choir and quartets. He met Hertha Klassen while attending Gem Bible School and they were married Aug. 17, 1943. In 1958, they moved to Chilliwack, B.C. where they bought a dairy farm and attended East Chilliwack MB Church. Jake was involved for many years with the relief sale committee of MCC. He donated beautifully crafted rocking horses to the sale. Jake developed Parkinson's disease and moved to a care home in Abbotsford. His last days were spent together with Hertha. Predeceased by son Bob; granddaughter Brandi; 1 brother; 1 sister; he is mourned by Hertha; sons Dave (Marilyn), Les (Clara), and John (Trish); daughter-in-law Edith; grandchildren; great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Mar. 24 at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford.