Doerksen, Peter P. (1898-1974)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1975 Jan 10 p. 29

Birth date: 1898 Apr 30

text of obituary;

REV. PETER P. DOERKSEN

A large gathering at the funeral of Peter P. Doerksen, who passed away December 3 at Coaldale, Alta., testified of the respect and esteem felt for this servant of God. For 25 years he was not only the leading minister of the Mennonite Brethren Church in Gem, but active also in various committees of both the provincial and the Canadian MB Conferences.

The funeral took place in the Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church on December 6. Rev. Peter J. Doerksen of Carman, Man., a nephew, addressed the congregation in German, speaking about the glorious hope of the believer as shown in I Thess. 4:13. Rev. Alex Neuman of Lethbridge, Alta. spoke on the "gain of death" as Paul expresses it in Phil. 1:21. The men's choir sang.

Interment took place at the Coaldale cemetery, where Pastor Rudy Heidebrecht read several verses from I Cor. 15.

Peter Doerksen was born to Peter P. and Katherina Doerksen (nee Friesen) on April 30, 1898 in Friedensheim, Ukraine, growing up in Kleefeld. At 14 years of age he lost his father. On September 23, 1921 he married Tina Klassen. When he was 25 he committed his life to Christ in faith and obedience, and was baptized, together with his wife, shortly afterwards.

The Doerksens came to Canada in October 1926, residing first in St. Anne, Man. for two years. They then lived in Coaldale for four years, moving to Gem in 1933 where they farmed until 1959. Upon retirement they moved to Calgary, residing there for 11 years, and then came back to Coaldale in 1971. He became ill last May and passed away December 3.

The family appreciated his love and kindness, his interest in people, his devotion to the Lord and work of his Kingdom and pray that they might follow his example, following and serving the Lord. With the Lord's help they wish to "carry the Torch" which he passed on to them. He leaves to mourn his wife Tina; two sons: Peter of St. Catharines, Ont. and Jake of Gem, Alta; four daughters: Mrs. H. (Annie) Peters of Hepburn, Sask., Mrs. H. (Elsie) Klassen of Coaldale; Mrs. A. (Frieda) Reimer of Vauxhall, Alta. and Mrs . T. (Hertha) Kinash of Leaf Rapids, Man.; and 22 grandchildren.