Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather, Jacob (Jac) Duerksen, was born to Abram and Elisabeth (Janzen) Duerksen at Blumenfeld, South Russia on January 12th, 1917. He peacefully passed on to his eternal reward, with his family at his bedside on October 17th, 2010 at Maplewood Manor, Steinbach, Manitoba, reaching the age of 93 years. As a young boy, Dad emigrated to Canada in 1929 with the rest of his family, settling in the Linden, Sunnyslope, Alberta area. Here he attended a small country school where he furthered his education. As he grew to young manhood, he worked on various farms in the area, as well as other jobs. It was here that Dad came in contact with the church coming under conviction during a revival at Linden. He yielded to the call of the Lord, and upon true confession of his sins, and faith in Jesus blood, he was born again and on January 21, 1940, upon the confession of his faith, he was baptized by Minister Albert Unruh, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ (Mennonite). This faith he embraced until the end. Dad found his life’s companion in Marie (Enns) Froese and on January 12th, 1941 they were joined in Holy Matrimony officiated by Minister John D. Penner at Rosenort, MB. Two sons and two daughters were born to this union. They shared the joys and sorrows of life together for almost sixty-eight years, until mother was called from his side on October 22nd, 2008. He passing left Dad very lonely; however, he accepted his loss bravely and uncomplainingly. In 1944 our parents, together with their two oldest children, moved to Linden, Alberta where Dad took up employment as a cheese maker. Here two more children came to bless their home. This occupation he maintained until 1960, when the family again returned to Rosenort, MB, where he took up employment in the local Co-op store. After spending a number of years in the store, he moved on to serve as the local postmaster. He enjoyed meeting the local people and made many friends during his career. Dad was a hard worker and laboured long hours to provide for his family. He was not a wealthy man nor was he perfect, but he was humble and confessed his failings when he erred. H often expressed his thankfulness to God for leading him out of the Old Country and bringing him to Canada where he found the church. He was a believer in prayer, leading us as a family in devotions and praying often for the salvation of his children and grandchildren. He was also a lover of song. On October 22nd, 2005, due to failing health, our parents took up residence at Maplewood Manor, where they resided until their passing. We are comforted in the assurance that he is at rest with the Lord, awaiting his eternal reward. Left to cherish fond memories are his children: Dennis (Adeline) of Kleefeld, MB, Mary of Steinbach, MB, Connie (Ray) Penner of Kleefeld and Dalton (Joyce), of Rosenort, MB 17 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren as well as many relatives and friends. Preceding him in death are his wife Marie, his parents, one brother, four sisters, two grandsons and one great grandchild. The family. As a family we wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Maplewood Manor staff for their kindness and love shown to Dad in his declining years. May God bless you all. The funeral will take place Thursday, October 21, 10:30 a.m., at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Rosenort, MB, with interment at the church cemetery. Viewing will be Wednesday, October 20, at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, MB, and at the church prior to the service.