Erika Derksen

Erika Marie Derksen (nee Hildebrand)

January 30, 1937 – May 15, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Erika Derksen announce her passing at the age of 84. Erika leaves to mourn her children Steven (Rhoda) Derksen and their children Amanda, Rachel, Luke (Lisa); Joanne (George) Epp and their children Ian (Kirsten) Epp, Heidi (Sean) Dyck; Greg (Lynda) Derksen and their children Benjamin and Nicole (Andrew) Yuen; and great grandsons Jacoby Dyck and Peter Epp. Also, Erika’s siblings Anita (John) Wiebe, Margaret (Wally) Krause, Helen (Archie) Epp, George (Gail) Hildebrand, Frieda (Willis) Bossaer, Irene (Ron) Bishoff, and sister-in-law Shirley Derksen. She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon Derksen and parents Gerhard and Helena (Lehn) Hildebrand.

Erika was born in January 1937 at the height of the Great Depression to Helena (Lehn) and Gerhard Hildebrand on their farm near Hawarden. Her mother commented that Erika’s birth was the only good thing that happened that year. It was a Christian home where Bible reading and prayer was a daily practice that continued throughout her life. Erika attended school at Hawarden, Chilliwack, BC and received her grade 12 diploma at Hanley School in 1955. On confession of her faith, she was baptised by Rev. George Warketin at the Hanley Mennonite Church in the spring of 1955. After high school Erika moved to Saskatoon to live with her sisters and worked as a seed analyst with the Federal Department of Agriculture.

Erika met Gordon in 1960 on a blind date arranged by her sister. Gordon proposed just a month later, catching Erika by surprise. “He’s so sure. I don’t know about myself. What is love?” A week later, she knew. “I love him. I’m sure. I’m HAPPY!!! I’d like to tell everyone I’m in love.” They were married on June 3, 1961 and enjoyed nearly 60 years together. Mom worked hard to support the farm at Langham by raising chickens, milking cows, growing a large garden, and feeding hungry family. She had a passion for the Ladies Aid at Zoar Mennonite Church in Langham and later First Mennonite Church in Saskatoon. There was always a church meal to prepare for, a quilting project, or group finances to work on. Mom was always in the kitchen and produced great meals, but most importantly the best Saskatoon Berry pies! Her grandkids would hunt diligently through church potluck plates to find Grandma’s pie – nothing else would do. Gatherings at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter were so important for her to have her family around the table. She and Dad were very proud of all their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Erika will be lovingly remembered.

Praise the Lord.  Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.  His Love endures forever.  Ps 106:1

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Palliative Care Services for the support and kindness its staff provided, both in the home and in St. Paul’s Hospital.

Memorial donations can be made to MCC, 600 45^th Street West, Saskatoon, SK, S7L 5 W9. A private Graveside Service will take place at Langham Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.