Doerksen, Jacob Henry (1896-1967)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1967 Jun 09 p. 49

Birth date: 1896 Apr 15

text of obituary:

JACOB HENRY DOERKSEN

Funeral services were held on May 18, in the Clearbrook (B.C.) Mennonite Brethren Church, for Jacob Henry Doerksen who passed away May 15, at the age of 72. Rev. H. G. Thielman was in charge assisted by Rev. R. Janzen and Rev. H. H. Nickel.

Mr. Doerksen was born in Osterwick, Russia on April 15. 1896, the son of John and Agatha Doerksen. He came to Canada with his family in 1901 and settled in northern Saskatchewan. He accepted Christ as Saviour at the age of 16 and was baptized the following year, joining the fellowship of the Mennonite Brethren Church at Hepburn, Saskatchewan.

On July 8, 1917 he married Elizabeth Nickle who preceded him in death in 1956. The Lord blessed their union with ten children, three of whom predeceased Mr. Doerksen, Irwin, John and Harry in infancy, and Samuel Harold on September 18,1966. Mr. Doerksen was later married to Katherine Wittman with whom he enjoyed 10 years of companionship and happiness. The family moved to B.C. in 1940 where Mr. Doerksen also lived until the time of his death. He suffered failing health in recent years and passed away as a result of a heart attack on May 15.

He was active and appreciated in community and church affairs, and sought to be an example in deed and word.

He is survived by his wife Katherina, one son John, Winnipeg; six daughters - Mrs. W. (Rosella) Schmidt, Abhotsford; Miss Lillian Doerksen, missionary in India; Mrs. G. (Mabel) Souiesseau. Winnipeg; Mrs. H. (Viola) Ratzlaff, Vancouver; Mrs. A. (Orlean) Reimer, Rapid City, S.D., and Mrs. R. (Sylvia) Neufeld, Salinas, California; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Sam (Kathie)) Doerksen, N. Surrey; 30 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.