REVEREND JACOB FRIESEN DOERKSEN (JAC)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

REVEREND JACOB FRIESEN DOERKSEN
July 9, 1936 – August 23, 2021

Reverend Jacob Friesen Doerksen was born on a farm outside of Ile des Chenes to loving parents Heinrich and Katharina Doerksen. He was a sibling to two older brothers and two younger sisters. Jac loved farming and while working as a farm hand, he met and married Anne Kehler. They bought their first farm in 1961, and expanded their farm in 1966 to include the present farm at Tourond.
In 1983, Jac's church called him to take on the role of pastor and he grew passionate about his work in the ministry while he continued to farm. His full-time involvement with the church kept him busy until age 65. Remarkably, at 80 years old, he was still conducting Bible studies and leading singing in long term care centres.
Later in life when Jac allowed himself time off from the farm, he and Anne travelled to international destinations to volunteer with missions organizations in Africa and Bolivia, visit cousins and friends in Paraguay, tour Israel, and vacation in Europe, Hawaii and Jamaica with family.
As much as Jac loved farming and being a pastor, he loved his family including his wife of 62 years, Anne; children Brenda (John), Doris (Henry), Robert (Wanda), Janet (Dale), Frederick, and Florence (Joe); ten grandchildren and their spouses; and 13 great-grandchildren. He enjoyed nothing more than playing games with his family such as mini-golf, board games and crokinole. His family enjoyed many camping trips with him across Canada and into the U.S.
Jac is forever remembered by his sisters Katherina and Elizabeth, in-laws, many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Heinrich and Katharina Doerksen, granddaughter Amy, brothers John and Henry, and sister-in-law Sara.
Even through failing health, Jac's faith, courage and sense of humour stayed strong.
The funeral service was held on Monday, August 30, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Niverville CMC Church, Niverville, MB., with interment at Hespler Cemetery, Niverville.

As published in The Carillon on Sep 02, 2021