Alexander Derksen

Peacefully with family by his side, Alexander passed away at the Bethesda Hospital on August 19, 2026 at the age of 69. He was the youngest of eight siblings and is survived by five of his remaining siblings. Alex will be sadly missed and remembered by his loving wife Valentina; his son Leo + (Alma) Derksen and their children: Cynthia, Amelia, Maribel, Luke, Ben, Teona and Jessica; his son Juergen + (Ilona) Derksen and their children: Mara, Noe, Leen and Lev; his daughter Daniela + (Andreas) Stoll and their children: Liam and Ryan.

Alex was born May 24, 1957, in Russia. When he graduated high school, he attended college for a degree in education before working as a teacher. Alex attended mandatory military conscription in Moscow for two years after getting his degree.

In 1979, he married his wife of 47 years, Valentina, with whom he had two sons and one daughter.

In October 1991, the family moved to Germany, where they lived for 18 years, before moving to Canada in September of 2009. While living in Germany, the family started attending the FCG church of Lichtenau, where he gave his life to Christ and was baptized in 1997 at the age of 40.

Upon moving to Canada, the family regularly attended and became members at the SMBC church in Steinbach, Manitoba.

His career as a bricklayer began in Germany and continued in Canada, but it came to an end as health issues arose, and he began volunteering at the local MCC thrift store.

Alexander loved woodworking and creating stools and household items by hand. He spent his summer weekends at the family's cabin and he enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and drinking coffee while surrounded by family.

Last year, Alexander received the tragic diagnosis of stage 3 lung cancer, which he stubbornly battled by trying to stay active and strong until his final breath.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Steinbach Cancer Care Clinic and the Southeast Cancer Support Service for providing transportation to his treatments.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Crossings Funeral Care, Steinbach, Manitoba with a private family burial to follow. The family invites all to stay for a reception following the burial.

For those unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join them through a livestream service available on the day of the service.