Brian Jay Doerksen

Brian Jay Doerksen, 67, of Bartlesville, OK, was called to his heavenly home on January 10, 2025. He was born on June 24, 1957 to Martin E. and Bertha M. (Toews) Doerksen in Hutchinson, KS. Brian spoke proudly and fondly of his memories growing up working on the family farm in Inman, KS. In 1969, at 12 years old, Brian met the future love of his life through 4-H. Neither Brian nor Teresa paid each other much attention then, but they reconnected in 1978, and their bond quickly grew into a lifelong love. They wed on June 30, 1979, and spent the next 45 years happily and faithfully by each other's sides. In 1979, Brain obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State University. Brian proudly began his career with Conoco, Inc. in December of 1979, where he happily built a career with the work he loved. He continued beyond the company merger to ConocoPhillips Company from 2002 to 2011, though his enthusiasm was more measured. He then finished the corporate chapter of his career with Bechtel Corporation, retiring in May of 2017. His specialties included delayed coker mechanical engineering and design, troubleshooting, and safety issues related to coking. After official retirement, Brian kept consulting—but only for the projects he enjoyed and with the people he liked, keeping things on his own terms. Throughout his 45-year career as a mechanical engineer, Brian became a sought-after expert in coke technology; often contributing to panel discussions at industry conferences. His innovative contributions to the field earned him numerous patents, particularly for systems and methods related to on-line pigging and spalling of coker furnace outlets. Brian formed lifelong and very close friendships through his work, including Kenny “Boots” Kienzle, among others. Brian’s career included extensive travels to “all the finest” oil refineries around the world, and he loved bringing Teresa along whenever he could. He often quipped that throughout his world travels all he saw were airports and oil refineries. After retiring, Brian often lamented that he never had the chance to work in Antarctica, as his favorite steel-toed boots never set foot on all seven continents. Brian and Teresa were blessed with two children: Martin and Bethany. In 2008, they gained another son when Bethany married Dustin Klopp. Brian loved sharing stories of his children and their accomplishments, often to their amused embarrassment. While he took great joy in his children's successes, Brian’s heart truly belonged to his grandchildren, Jace and Evelyn. As Poppos, he delighted in spoiling them with wooden toys he lovingly crafted. Brian’s hobbies included drawing, woodworking, gardening, and sharing beverages he made from his home-grown cherries, peaches, and blackberries. Brian often said that he had to suppress his artistic side in favor of technical thinking and mathematics since his brain couldn’t quite manage to be both an engineer and an artist at the same time. After retiring, Brian rediscovered his love for art through woodworking, woodcarving, and graphite drawing. He formed close friendships through his weekly fine art classes at The Artist’s Retreat and meetings of the Eastern Oklahoma Woodcarvers Association. Brian is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Teresa M. (Oborny) Doerksen; his admiring children Martin B. Doerksen of Dallas, TX and Bethany K. Doerksen-Klopp and husband Dustin Klopp of Claremore, OK; and his two adoring grandchildren Jace Klopp and Evelyn Klopp of Claremore, OK. Jace will miss building wooden toys and models in Poppos’ workshop, and Evelyn will miss drawing, reading, and snuggling on the couch with her Poppos. Brian is also survived by a “little red dog,” Sage, who will deeply miss their morning ritual of Brian throwing “a thousand tennis balls” for her while she “runs at the speed of Dog.” A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Saturday January 25, 2025 at Stumpff Funeral Home at 1600 SE Washington Blvd. Bartlesville, OK 74006. The family will honor Brian’s signature 'engineer uniform' by wearing shades of blue, and encourage everyone to join them in this tribute. As a memorial to Brian, the family invites you to take an art class, throw tennis balls for your dog, or plant a tree or plant in your yard (bonus points for coreopsis or fruit trees).

Brian Jay Doerksen

June 24, 1957 - January 10, 2025