Doerksen, Jakob J. (1863-1943)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1943 Mar 9 p. 14 - 15

Birth date: 1863 Aug 22

text of obituary:

Jakob J. Doerksen, (Shafter, Calif.) Sohn von Jakob und Elisabeth Epp Doerksen, ward am 22. August 1863 zu Berdjansk, Südrußland geboren. Mit 19 Jahren ward er auf seinen Glauben getauft und blieb seinem Heiland zeitlebens treu. Noch in Rußland heiratete er, und es wurde ihnen in ersten Ehe eine Tochter und 1 Sohn geboren. Nach dem Tode seiner Gattin kam er nach Ontario, Canada, blieb 7 Jahre da und schloß sich 1926 der Vereinten Mennonitengemeinde dort an. Am 28. November 1932 heiratete er Margaret Klieder [sic] Janzen von Medford, Okla. und in 1933 schloß er sich der Medford Gemeinde an. 1934 siedelten sie über nach Shafter, Calif. wo er sich der Ersten Mennonitengemeinde anschloß und Glied blieb. Im Dez. 1942 übereilte ihn eine Krankheit und am 25. Januar ward er nach dem Kern Hospital gebracht. Heimgekommen bekam er Lungenentzündung. Er sagte seinen Angehörigen, er glaube bestimmt, daß er bald sterben werde, versicherte aber seiner Gattin, die ihn bediente, von seiner Liebe für seine Angehörigen und daß er bereit sei heim zu gehen. Wiederholt bat er, daß man das Lied “Ich bete an die Macht der Liebe” singen möchte. Am Nachmittag des 18. Februar starb er im Alter von 79 J. 5 M. und 27 Tagen. Es überleben ihn, seine Gattin, 1 Sohn Nicolai, Detroit, Mich.; 1 Tochter, Elisabeth, Laird, Sask., 6 Pflegekinder und viele Freunde.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Mar 11 p. 3

Birth date: 1863 Aug 22

text of obituary: Jacob J. Doerksen

Jacob J. Doerksen, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Epp) Doerksen, was born at Berdjansk, Russia, on August 22, 1863. When he had reached the age of 19 years, he was baptized upon confession of faith in his Lord and Master whom he loved and served throughout his life.

While in Russia, he was joined in marriage to his first wife. To them were born one daughter, Elizabeth, and one son, Nicolai. After the death of his wife, he migrated to America, settling in Ontario, Canada. In the year 1926 he joined the fellowship of the United Mennonite Church of Ontario, where he remained for about seven years.

On November 28, 1932, Dr. Woerksen [sic Doerksen] was united in marriage with Margret Kliwer [sic Kliewer] Janzen of Medford, Oklahoma, who shared with him the joys and sorrows of the evening years of his life. The following year he joined the Mennonite church of Medford.

In 1934 Mr. and Mrs. Doerksen moved to California, joining the First Mennonite church of Shafter, where he was a member until his death.

Ill health overtook him in December, 1942. His condition grew more and more critical until January 25, when he was taken to the Kern General Hospital for examination and treatment. he remained there until February 5, when he was brought to be at his home. Pneumonia, which developed in several days, further weakened his rapidly failing health, and on February 18 he told his wife that he knew his remaining days on earth were few.

During the last days of his illness he re-assured his loved ones, who waited at his bedside, that he was ready to go home to his Heavenly Father. Repeatedly he requested the singing of the hymn "Ich Bete an die Macht der Liebe." On the afternoon of February 18 at 3:30 o'clock, having reached the age of 79 years, 5 months and 27 days, he quietly left this life and enter3d into the presence of his Maker, whom he had loved and waited for.

Surviving him are his wife, Mrs. Margret Doerksen of Shafter; one son, Nicolai of Detroit, Michigan, one daughter, Elizabeth of Laird, Sask, Canada,; one granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth of Detroit; six foster children and a large number of grandchildren as well as a host of friends and aquintnces [sic] who were saddened at his departure.