Derksen, Otto (1923-2005)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2006 Feb 3 p. 26

Birth date: 1923 Apr 10

text of obituary:

OTTO DERKSEN

Otto Derksen died peacefully Dec. 5. He was born April 10, 1923 in Borden, Sask. to George and Maria Derksen. At 15, he committed his life to God. He was baptized at 19 and joined the Borden MB Church. Shortly after, he attended Bethany Bible School. While there, he met Adelaide Fehr and they were married Oct. 19, 1946. Otto and Adelaide felt called to join West Indies Mission (now World Team) and began missionary work on the island of St. Vincent in 1952. During the next 13 years they worked as pioneer missionaries in St. Vincent, St. Lucia and Bequia, establishing churches, teaching, preaching and building a Bible school. Due to Adelaide's poor health, they returned to Canada and pastored at Lashburn MB Church until 1971. They moved to California where Otto attended seminary and pastored a church in Raisin City. After graduating from MBBS in 1974, Otto pastored at Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church, worked as a representative for World Team, served as a pastor-at-large, taught at Peace River (Alta.) Bible Institute and did prison visitation. Otto always remained dedicated to God and left an enormous legacy as a testimony to God's faithfulness. He ministered with vision, passion and perseverance. His greatest passion was preaching and he was admired for his enthusiastic sermons. He was also a loving father and husband. Predeceased by 1 granddaughter; 1 brother; he is mourned by Adelaide; children Berdeena, Lesly, James, Ray and Keith; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Dec. 9 at Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church.