Duerksen, Arthur J. (1921-1989)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1989 May 11 p. 11

Birth date: 1921 Jun 23

text of obituary:

ARTHUR J. DUERKSEN

Arthur J. Duerksen was born June 23, 1921, to Abraham T. and Marie (Willems) Duerksen at Marion, S.D. He died march 24, 1989.

He received his formal education at Riverside School, rural Marion.

He was baptized upon confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ on July 23, 1939, by David P. Schultz and was later received into the membership of the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church, Marion. He was active in the church until his death, serving many years as a trustee and usher.

During World War II, he served in Civilian Public Service camps at Hill City, S.D., and Marlboro, N.J.

He was united in marriage to Grace B. Hofer on Oct. 10, 1942, by Ervin Schmidt. They shared 46 years of marriage.

The Duerksens lived in the Marion-Dolton area, where he was self-employed in the electrical, heating and plumbing business.

He found great enjoyment in the out-of-doors. He often said he liked to be with his family, to fish and to work.

He is survived by his wife, Grace; two sons, Roger and wife Judy of Spencer, Iowa, and Bruce and wife Cheryl of Marion; two dauaghters, Judy Evans of Deadwood and Sandra and husband Don Opp of Marion; six brothers, Ewald of Nappanee, Ind., Albert of Bridgewater, Abraham of Sioux Falls, Herbert of Colorado Springs, Colo., Harry of Kansas and Lester of Denver; four sisters, Elsie Loewen of Marion, Tillie Dick of Portland, Ore., Rosella Mackey of Daytona Beach, Fla. and Marge Nelson of Tea; seven grandchildren; and his mother-in-law, Barbara B. Hofer.

Funeral services were held March 28, 1989, at the EMB Church, Marion, with Al Tschiegg and Alvin Classen officiating.