Duerksen, John D. (1944-2003)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2003 Jan 13 p. 12

Birth date: 1944

text of obituary:

AMBS development leader dies unexpectedly at 59

By Mary E. Klassen
Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary

ELKHART, Ind. — John D. Duerksen, director of development for Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, died unexpectedly Jan. 3 at his home in Goshen. He was 59.

Duerksen came to AMBS in 1992 as director of the Partners for Ministry campaign, a fund-raising effort that ended in 1997. Later he became director of development.

He also was a member of the board of Menno-Hof, a Mennonite and Amish interpretive center in Shipshewana.

Duerksen is remembered for his strong commitment to the church and to AMBS, his gentle, caring spirit and his sense of humor. Tributes from family members, friends and colleagues affirmed what Duerksen wrote several years ago: "I believe life is to be lived in joyful response to God's unconditional love. I serve God by serving others."

Nelson Kraybill, AMBS president said: "For John, fund-raising was not primarily about dollars. It was about relationships and vision for the church. . . . He knew the life experiences and personalities of countless individuals and congregations. He genuinely cared for others, and that made him treat people with dignity and respect."

Duerksen came to AMBS from Hendrson, Neb., where he served 13 years as executive director of Grace Children's Home.

He was a graduate of Hesston (Kan.) College and Goshen College and had a master's degree in social work from Wilfred Laurier University, Waterloo, Ont.

He is survived by his wife, Belle; a daughter, Jodi Kilmer of Telford, Pa.; three grandchildren; his father, John P. Duerksen of Hesston; and a sister, Rebecca Oswald of Rocky Ford, Colo. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth King Duerksen.

A funeral service was held Jan. 7 and Eighth Street Mennonite Church. Burial was in Eastlawn Cemetery at Hesston.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2003 Feb 3 p. 12