Derksen, Katharine Friesen (1895-1973)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1973 Mar 23 p. 31

Birth date: 1895 Apr 22

text of obituary:

KATHARINE DERKSEN

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee." And so it was for Tina Derksen. Life began for her in 1895, in Blumstein, South Russia, when she was born to Peter and Katharina Friesen. It was here she spent an enjoyable childhood and youth. After completing her elementary education she spent three years in further education at the Girls' School in Tiege.

In 1918, she entered into holy matrimony with John Derksen. It was shortly after that the Russian Revolution broke out. Starvation, disease, and war placed their very lives in jeopardy, but God spared them! During these trying times a religious revival passed through southern Russia. Tina committed her life to Christ and has since that day enjoyed the all sufficient grace and peace of God. Upon her confession of faith, together with her husband, she was baptized and joined the fellowship of the Evangelical Mennonite Brotherhood.

Because of political and economic upheavel, and a foreboding future, the family emigrated from Russia to Newton Sliding, Manitoba in 1926. The escape to freedom, the safe journey to Canada, and the new opportunities were cause for much thanksiving. In 1942 the family moved to the Niagara area to take up fruit farming, and in 1959 to retirement in St. Catharines.

As wife, mother, grandmother, and friend she displayed, by the sustaining grace of God, a life of thankfulness, love and concern for the physical and spiritual welfare of others.

During the last year her health gradually declined. At the age of 77 years, she quietly passed on to be with the Lord. She is survived by her husband, three daughters, three sons, one son-in-law, three daughters-in-law, fourteen grandchildren, and two sisters. Two children predeceased her. The family mourns her loss but are fully confident of Christ's assurance when He says, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." John 11:2