Obituary of Peter Doerksen

Peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, dad was called home to be with his Lord and Saviour at the Steinbach Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB.

Dad was born to Peter and Helena Doerksen on July 5, 1940, at home in the RM of Ritchot. Dad grew up on his parents’ farm and started working at a young age. Dad was a hard worker and that was evident in all he did.

He is survived by his wife Annie, three sons, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Dad was baptized by Bishop PS Wiebe at the Silberfeld CMC Church. Mom and Dad were married on October 7, 1967, at the Steinbach CMC Church. They were blessed with 55 years of marriage. Dad did a variety of work - hauling gravel, septic tanks, Barkman Concrete and Loewen Windows. Mom and Dad also had a dairy farm but had to sell it when Dad’s health didn’t allow him to continue. We’re grateful to Mom and Dad for teaching us at a young age about God and to read the Bible. We were blessed to have Christian parents that took us to church.

After Dad’s retirement, he spent all his time with Mom. They enjoyed watching their grandchildren play sports and going to Tim Hortons for coffee. Mom and Dad were inseparable. And the love they had for each other was easy to see. When Dad needed a haircut, he called Cheri or Amber.

Throughout Dad’s life Dad had many health challenges – COPD and diabetes and was on full oxygen for the last years. Even with all his struggles he never complained. He said there’s always someone who is worse off than me. Dad often talked about Paul and Silas who were locked in prison. Dad marveled at their faith that even when they were in prison they praised God and sang praises to God.

On November 23, 2022, Dad fell and broke his hip. Dad didn’t want to go in because he didn’t want to be away from mom. After 10 days, Dad asked to be taken in. On December 7^th he had hip surgery and also suffered two strokes. The strokes really affected him and he never fully recovered. We were very blessed that Dad could communicate and was clear in his thinking. We saw Dad witness to everyone whom he talked to. His faith was evident and wanted everyone to be in heaven.

Dad really appreciated all the visitors that came to see him. Mom, Mike and Murray spent most of the time with Dad. Dad was in rehab from December 13^th to February 3^rd. On February 3^rd Dad’s wish came true. He came home on February 3^rd and was admitted back to the hospital on February 18^th. He was happy to be home for that short time.

Dad passed away on the morning of Wednesday, February 22, 2023, with Steven and Murray by his side.

We want to thank you mom for all the years that you took care of dad. Thank you to all the nurses for the exceptional care they gave Dad. Also thank you to Pastor Herb Unrau for all the visits and encouraging Dad. Thank you Birchwood Funeral Chapel for helping us through this difficult time.

We love you and miss you, Dad. We’ll see you again. We sorrow, but not like those who have no hope.

Love, the Doerksen family

The funeral service will be held Friday, March 3, 2023 at 3:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with viewing prior to the service.  Interment will take place at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB. To join the family via livestream, please click HERE shortly before the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gospel Message Radio Box 1760, Warman, SK S0K 4S0.