Peter J. Doerksen died Dec. 28, 2009. He was born Apr. 23, 1921 in Kleefeld, Ukraine to Johann and Katharina Doerksen. In 1926, the family immigrated to Canada, eventually settling in Gem, Alta. Peter was an athletic boy, also very involved in the work on the farm. Growing up in a Christian home, he became aware of his need for a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, and at 14, made that commitment. He was baptized at 19 in Gem MB Church. Peter attended Bible school in Gem; Winkler, Man.; and at MBBC, where he earned a bachelor of theology. He later got his BEd from the University of Calgary. His training and call to Christian service led him into a lifetime of teaching and pastoral work. On June 28, 1947, Peter married Tina Harder of Winkler. Their marriage, which lasted more than 62 years, was marked by faithfulness, respect, and affection. Peter was ordained on Aug. 26, 1951. He taught at the Bible School in Gem, and served MB churches in Linden, Alta.; Alexander, Man.; Carman, Man.; Debolt, Alta.; and Niverville, Man. He served on MB conference boards and as a camp director. In their retirement years, Peter and Tina did short-term ministry in churches in Snow Lake, Man., and Vienna, Austria. For the past 8 years, Peter resided in Donwood Manor, Winnipeg, most recently, because of Alzheimer’s disease, in the personal care wing. Peter is mourned by Tina; children Al (Agatha), Dora (Helmut) Dueck, John (Barb), Vic (Doris), Norm (Moira), Linda (Norm) Foth, Louise (Eric) Braun, Viola (Terry) Kaethler; 24 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.
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