Gerald Jeffrey Doerksen

Obituary

Gerald Doerksen, age 73, of Steinbach, Manitoba, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at his residence.

Gerald Jeffrey Doerksen was born on April 1, 1952, in Steinbach, MB. In the last year, he began to lose his appetite and slowly became weaker. He took his last breath peacefully at his home with two caregivers at his side and his younger sister singing to him.

He is survived by two brothers, one sister-in-law and three sisters, John Doerksen (Agnes), Carol Doerksen (sister-in-law), Sara Doerksen, Pauline Hoorman (Gerry), Henry Doerksen (Lorena), Delia Baidoo (Sam) and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by an infant niece Rita, his parents Jacob and Aganetha Doerksen, sister Lydia Doerksen, brother Raymond Doerksen, brother-in-law John Knight, sister-in-law Judy Doerksen, sister Myrtle Doerksen, stepmother Katherine Doerksen and brother Philip Doerksen.

Gerald was born the ninth child in a family of ten. Because of his mental health limitations, he had no words but sang many tunes repeatedly. In his teen years he began to attend Kindale School and lived at home under the care of his parents until he was 28. At that time the Association for Community Living (now Envision) began building homes for the intellectually challenged and he became a resident. In 1983, Gerald moved into his community home, and it was his home until his death.

He will be missed by many former roommates and especially all those wonderfully caring people at his community home.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with viewing starting at 10:30 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.