Doris Wilma (Stalter) Burkholder

The Burkholder Family shares that Doris Wilma Stalter Burkholder passed away peacefully at the age of 95 years and 10 months on October 13, 2022, at Fairview Long Term Care. Doris was a godly and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, pastor's wife, homemaker, prayer warrior, and a darling at the Harvest Lodge and Fairview Long Term Care. We are grateful for the care she received in those places and at the Fairview Hospital.

Doris was born December 8, 1926, in Gridley, Illinois, USA, to Emma Stauffer Stalter and Simon D. Stalter. She was the youngest of 9 children, all of whom have predeceased her.

When Doris was six years old the family moved from Illinois back to the Tofield, Alberta, area and she grew up in the supportive community of Salem Mennonite Church. Doris dated, and then married Paul L. Burkholder on April 27, 1947. Within months the young couple was invited to move to Smith, Alberta, to help with a mission station there. Doris gave birth to Timothy in August 1948, and by November of that year they were invited to begin a “mission station” in Bluesky.

Through the 74 years since, Doris was an active partner in the ministry of Bluesky Mennonite Church (now Bluesky Christian Fellowship). She taught Sunday school,  visited, and invited many people to attend the church. She hosted innumerable guests, particularly teachers who came to teach Summer Bible School which was a key ministry of the church attended by many in the Bluesky/ Golden Meadow area. Doris was very active in the Women’s service organizations at the church. She had a hand in many quilts and other projects. All of this while supporting her husband in the growing construction and building supply business.

Doris was a steady, nurturing presence in the lives of her seven children (7 born in 11 ½ years)! She rejoiced in their achievements and consoled them in their disappointments. She prayed diligently for each of them.

In addition to her parents and all her siblings, Doris was preceded in death by a grandson, Bretton Lane Friesen (October 20, 1988), and by her beloved husband of 58 years, Paul L. Burkholder (October 2, 2005).

She is survived by her 7 children and their spouses: Timothy (Sharon Sitler) Burkholder of Edmonton, Alberta; Owen (Ruth Ann Augsburger) Burkholder of Harrisonburg, Virginia; Luanna (Ruben) Friesen of Riverton, Manitoba; Wyonne (Raymond) Weber of Fairview, Alberta; Nancy (Henry) Friesen of Niverville, Manitoba; Fern (Marcus) Diener of Meridian, Mississippi; and Stanley (Christina Gross) Burkholder of Bluesky, Alberta.

At the time of her death, Doris was Grandmother to 20 living grandchildren and Great-grandmother to 37 with another on the way.

The Funeral for Doris was held at the Bluesky Christian Fellowship on Saturday, Nov 12 at 2 pm, to view the service please click here.  The Service was followed by a celebratory social and lunch at the Dunvegan Motor Inn. Pallbearers are grandchildren: Colin Burkholder, Marla Burkholder, Cindy Reimer,  Andrew Weber, Braden Friesen, Micah Diener, Jolene Gelsinger. 

In lieu of flowers one can send donations to MCC Alberta (2946 32 St NE #210, Calgary AB T1Y 6J7)

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home Fairview

780-835-3306

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