Doerksen, Bernhard G. (1861-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Jul 11 p. 3

Birth date: 1861

text of obituary:

BERNHARD G. DOERKSEN

Bernhard G. Doerksen was born in South Russia in 1861. He came to America with his parents when he was 14 years old and settled near Inman, Kansas. In 1884 he was united in marriage with Eva Siemens. To this union nine children were born, eight of whom survive. A son, Cornelius, passed away in 1937.

In 1899 he moved with his family to Medford, Oklahoma, where he resided for 12 years. Then he came to Denair, California, where he has lived on a farm for the last 35 years.

He accepted Christ as his Saviour, when a young man and united with the General Conference of Mennonites. He was a radiant Christian, a generous giver to missions and enjoyed the fellowship of God’s people in all denominations.

In January, 1934, our parents had the joy of celebrating their golden wedding. Three months later our mother went Home to be with the Lord, after an illness of five days.

On June 21 father had a fall and broke his pelvis. He was taken to the hospital in Turlock and after three days of intense suffering, he went Home early on June 24, at the age of 85 years and ten days.

He leaves the following children: Ben, John, George, Jake, William and Justina Doerksen of Denair; Rev. David Doerksen of Hawthorne, California; and Eva Doerksen of Nigeria, West Africa, now home on furlough. He also leaves 22 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Although greatly missing the father, the family rejoices to know that he is safe at Home, and one day they shall see him again.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” — The children.