Obituary of Donald Doerksen

With his family by his side, Donald Doerksen of Grunthal, MB, left us for his eternal Home on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Esther, and his daughters and their families: Jerilyn and Ryan Koslowsky, Noah and Katie, Raechel, Sarah, Jessie, Brendin, Natiya and Makwa; Gaylene Doerksen; Renae and Allen Sterk, Tyra, Chloe and Kayden. He is also survived by his sisters Wanda and John Wiebe, Hilde and Dick Friesen and Sharon Doerksen and Levitt Muirhead; sisters-in-law Hilda and Vernon Froese and Alice and Len Froese, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a still-born brother, Levi. 

Donald was born on April 17, 1949, the first-born child of Frank and Mary Doerksen. He lived on the family farm for the next 61 years, the third generation to run the farm. While farm work dominated his life, he and Esther raised a family. Along with his dad, he sang for many years in the Southeast Men’s Male Chorus. He enjoyed sports, playing baseball and football in his youth and then spending countless hours watching sports on television. A devoted fan of the Jets, the Bombers and the Jays, he was an even bigger fan of any of the sports and extra-curricular pursuits of his children and grandchildren. When he and Esther sold the family farm, he realized a lifelong dream of living in a log home. No longer tethered to the work in the fields, he built fences, bought some livestock, and did as much work as he wanted. The acreage was the perfect setting to host their family. Together with Esther, they were always at the ready to host sleepovers or to assist with rides and appointments. They created a little paradise for their grandchildren. Donald loved exploring the property with his grandchildren, showing them his horses or his cows, and he organized hayrides so that they could all experience the trails he had created.  In the last few years, his thoughtfulness shone through again as he honed his woodworking skills, creating furniture and mementos for his family from the poplar and oak he cut on their property.

Donald was a quiet and observant man. He enjoyed spending time with others, and he had a remarkable memory for dates and details about people’s lives.  We will miss his gentle presence and his soft smile.

When confronted with a terminal diagnosis earlier this year, Donald responded with grace, relying on his faith and opening his heart to the support and love of his family as he faced his final months. The family is so very grateful for the outpouring of support, love and prayers that sustained them in this difficult time.

A come and go viewing will take place on Tuesday, July 11^th, 2023, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach, MB. Burial will take place at the Grunthal Cemetery, Grunthal, MB, at 11:00 a.m. before the service. All are welcome to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald’s memory may be made to the Grunthal Menno Home, PO Box 1284, Grunthal, MB R0A 0R0.