Katherina A. (Rempel) Doerksen

It is with deep sorrow and joyful celebration that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Katherina, (Tena) who went to be with the Lord on, February 18, 2025. Katherina was born on March 2, 1936, to Gerhardt and Anna Rempel in Rosthern Saskatchewan. Tena lived a life filled with love, faith, and service to others.

     Tena’s mother died when Tena was about two years old. At the age of 14 her family attempted to move to British Honduras. However, their plans were thwarted, and they ended up moving to Manitoba where the family settled on a farm close to the Arden Ridge. It was on that farm that many people gathered on Sundays, young and old people alike, a great place where you had fun and felt welcome.

      It was there, Tena met her neighbor, the love of her life, Jake Doerksen. After they were married, Jake and Tena moved to Burns Lake BC for four years, Ivan and Doris were born in Burns Lake where they lived in a small cabin in a Bush camp.

      Then, in 1958 they moved to Helston Manitoba and started farming.  To start with they lived with Jake’s parents on the farm, and then they cut their own lumber to build their own house and broke the land with horses. On this farm. Esther and Paul were added to the family. The land was very fertile but required lots of work. Tena with her husband Jake farmed the land and raised pigs, sheep, cattle had a dairy herd on the farm till 1978.

     Then they retired and moved to Austin and lo and behold another addition was added to the family, Tena at the age of 44 had a wonderful son Wendell.  

     Then in 2008 her husband Jake passed away and she stayed on the acreage till 2016 when she bought a home in Austin at the age of 81 years.

    In 2017 was a highlight for Tena when she represented the queen in the Austin Parade during Canada’s 150th birthday. The picture that you see of Tena on the bulletin was a part of that celebration.

Tena continued her gardening and her handiwork until her passing February 18th,2025

It was in her later years when she had some health issues, like heart surgery, broken femur, etc but always seemed to persevere, and had a good attitude towards life. As an example of her faith and attitude one day as mom was in bed ailing Esther walked into the house and over heard mom singing the song “My Home is in Heaven how happy I’ll be” all by herself.

     Tena enjoyed crocheting knitting and sewing, where she passed on her knowledge of crocheting and knitting to her grandchildren and found joy in gardening, and preserving the fruits of her labour. She was a hard worker and loved challenges and was willing to tackle many projects. She Loved to serve others and bring them baking or produce from the garden.

Her greatest joy came from her family. She was a loving mother to:

 Ivan (Verna), son Wayne (Christina) Hanna, Jake, Peter & Hailey, daughter Sonya (Devin) Dillon, Reid & Davis, son Bryan (Jessica) Karsen, Weston & Walker

Paul (Brenda), daughter Heather (Corey) Brooke, Hunter, Skylar, son Kyle (Tiffany) Kailey, Carter, Curtis, son Troy (Deidre) Avery, Gunner, Ryder

Doris (Harry) daughter Jackie (Lou), son Chad, daughter Terri (Dana) Jonathan, Ruth, daughter Catherine (Ron) Sasha

Esther (Ed) daughter Michelle (Jeremy) Jayden, Colby, Joey, daughter Lori (Dani)Justice, Mercy daughter Amy.

Wendell (Christine) Zaysha, Chael, Emmett, Aria.

 She poured her love into them, teaching them the importance of faith, kindness, and generosity. Her legacy of love and faith will live on in their lives.

A viewing service will be held at the Clarks Funeral Home in MacGregor on Friday February 21st from 7:00 to 8:30pm.

The funeral Service will be held on Saturday Feb 22,2025 at Austin EMMC church at 2:00pm, with a viewing prior to the service.  Burial to follow at the Edrans cemetery with refreshments served at the church in Austin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Austin/ MacGregor MCC in memory of Tena Doerksen. Where she volunteered for many years. Please make cheques out to the same and send to Box 272 Austin MB R0H 0C0

While we mourn her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now in the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she loved and served faithfully. Her life was a beautiful reflection of God’s love, and her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her.

The family would like to thank all those who have helped mother over the last number of years and also recently cared for her and showed her love and compassion, God bless you.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Matthew 25:23