Isaac Derksen
October 9, 1935 - April 5, 2026
On April 5th, our dad walked through the eternal doors to heaven.
Isaac T. Derksen was born on October 9, 1935, in Winkler, Manitoba, to Isaac and Katherina Derksen. He was raised on the family farm in Reinfeld the oldest of twelve
siblings, including one sister who passed away in early childhood. He received his basic education at the Reinfeld School. From a young age, he was shaped by both farm life and a strong foundation of faith.
On May 20, 1956, Isaac was baptized at the Chortitz Old Colony Church, marking an
important milestone in his spiritual life.
On July 17, 1966, he married the love of his life, Mary Elias, on a very hot day at the Reinfeld Old Colony Church. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.
Isaac and Mary were blessed with three children: Son-Alan (Tina) Melissa, Stephanie, Ashley(Seth), Son-Richard (Eva) Taylor, Dani, Jaxson, and, Daughter-Marilyn (Conway) Michael(Selena-Daughter Shelby), Kristin.
Following the passing of his father in 1963, Dad took over the operation of the family Farm. This included grain farming, milking cows and chicken. We as children have always admired his strong work ethic, patience and integrity no matter what came his way.
When he got married to mom they moved 4 houses down from the family farm. He eventually moved back onto the original family farm, never venturing far from the place he called home.
Church has always been important to Dad and Mom. They were/are devoted members of their church, he was a charter member of the Zion Mennonite Church.
Though he preferred to work quietly in the background, he faithfully served as treasurer for many years early on and remained deeply committed to his church family.
His faith remained central to him throughout his years. He spent much time reading the Scriptures and kept a picture of Jesus carrying a lamb beside his bed—one of the first things he would see each morning. In later years we would walk in the house finding dad with the laptop on his lap watching various church services or listening to gospel music.
He continued farming into his mid-seventies. In his early eighties, Dad and Mom sold the farm and moved to a condo in Winkler, where he spent his final years.
Dad and Mom were married almost 60 years. We learned what it truly meant to love, honor and respect. This was the example that we saw modelled to us daily. They leaned on each other and their faith in God despite any challenges that came their way.
He was a man of few words but carried a quiet strength, unwavering faith and a deep commitment to his family, church and all who knew him.
He will be deeply missed by all.
A big thank-you for all the help, care and compassion to:
- Homecare over the past few years, making it possible for Dad and Mom to spend more time together.
- Boundary Trails Health Centre, while dad was there.
- Pastor Bill Thiessen and their pastoral team, Church Ushers and Zion Church Serving Group.
- Wiebe Funeral Home.
October 9, 1935 - April 5, 2026
On April 5th, our dad walked through the eternal doors to heaven.
Isaac T. Derksen was born on October 9, 1935, in Winkler, Manitoba, to Isaac and Katherina Derksen. He was raised on the family farm in Reinfeld the oldest of twelve
siblings, including one sister who passed away in early childhood. He received his basic education at the Reinfeld School. From a young age, he was shaped by both farm life and a strong foundation of faith.
On May 20, 1956, Isaac was baptized at the Chortitz Old Colony Church, marking an
important milestone in his spiritual life.
On July 17, 1966, he married the love of his life, Mary Elias, on a very hot day at the Reinfeld Old Colony Church. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.
Isaac and Mary were blessed with three children: Son-Alan (Tina) Melissa, Stephanie, Ashley(Seth), Son-Richard (Eva) Taylor, Dani, Jaxson, and, Daughter-Marilyn (Conway) Michael(Selena-Daughter Shelby), Kristin.
Following the passing of his father in 1963, Dad took over the operation of the family Farm. This included grain farming, milking cows and chicken. We as children have always admired his strong work ethic, patience and integrity no matter what came his way.
When he got married to mom they moved 4 houses down from the family farm. He eventually moved back onto the original family farm, never venturing far from the place he called home.
Church has always been important to Dad and Mom. They were/are devoted members of their church, he was a charter member of the Zion Mennonite Church.
Though he preferred to work quietly in the background, he faithfully served as treasurer for many years early on and remained deeply committed to his church family.
His faith remained central to him throughout his years. He spent much time reading the Scriptures and kept a picture of Jesus carrying a lamb beside his bed—one of the first things he would see each morning. In later years we would walk in the house finding dad with the laptop on his lap watching various church services or listening to gospel music.
He continued farming into his mid-seventies. In his early eighties, Dad and Mom sold the farm and moved to a condo in Winkler, where he spent his final years.
Dad and Mom were married almost 60 years. We learned what it truly meant to love, honor and respect. This was the example that we saw modelled to us daily. They leaned on each other and their faith in God despite any challenges that came their way.
He was a man of few words but carried a quiet strength, unwavering faith and a deep commitment to his family, church and all who knew him.
He will be deeply missed by all.
A big thank-you for all the help, care and compassion to:
- Homecare over the past few years, making it possible for Dad and Mom to spend more time together.
- Boundary Trails Health Centre, while dad was there.
- Pastor Bill Thiessen and their pastoral team, Church Ushers and Zion Church Serving Group.
- Wiebe Funeral Home.