JOHN DOERKSEN

1920 - 2002

John Doerksen of Taber, beloved husband of Anne Doerksen, passed away in Lethbridge on Wednesday, February 6, 2002 at the age of 81 years.
John was born a son of John and Anna Doerksen in Russia on July 12, 1920. At a young age he moved with his family to Canada first settling in Manitoba. He began his farming career at McCreary, Manitoba but due to hardships the decision was made to move west to Alberta for more promising opportunities. Hays was the community where John and his family were drawn to. They farmed and resided there for many years before retiring from the area and moving to Taber in the early 1990’s. The true farmer that John was, he occasionally helped out his boys doing light duties and chores. He looked forward to the mornings so he could read the Calgary Sun and join his friends at the coffee shop. Through out his life he always had a lighter side to him and when his health began to fail, John maintained his sense of humor... laughing and joking with the nurses and all that were around him. John had deep faith and attended church on a regular basis which enhanced his strong family values. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his kids and grandchildren. Last August he joined all of his family for a reunion in Manitoba. His love for his family will not be forgotten by those he left behind and his memory will be forever cherished in their hearts.
Besides his wife Anne, he will be remembered by his children Marlene (Bryan) Beerling and their children Brad and Erica; Elma (Jernand) Guinto and their children Jessica and Jaylyn; Elmer (Marilyn) Doerksen and their children Dana and Lindsay; Gary (Sandy) Doerksen and their children Travis, Lynn and Wayne; Rob (Lori) Doerksen and their children Brandi and Lane; three sisters Anne (John), Mary (Jake) and Tina; a cousin Kay as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
John was predeceased by his parents, John and Anna Doerksen; a son Harry; two brothers Albert and Abe and a brother-in-law Art.
Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, February 10, 2002 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service was held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 - 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Monday, February 11, 2002 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Ron Gartly officiating. Interment followed at the Vauxhall Mennonite Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in John’s name can be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 - 10 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2M7 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 1011 - 2 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0C8.