Duerksen, Edward (1892-1979)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1979 Nov 1 p. 11

Birth date: 1892 Apr 25

text of obituary:

EDWARD DUERKSEN

Edward Duerksen was born on Apr. 25, 1892 near Hillsboro, Kan. to Henry J. and Helena Friesen Duerksen. He died Sept. 29, 1979 at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, S. D.

He grew up in the Alexanderwohl community and attended the Steinbach School. He received Jesus Christ as his Savior, was baptized by Heinrich Banman and received into the Alexanderwohl church.

He graduated from the Bethel College Academy in 1916 with a teacher’s certificate, but was drafted into service at Camp Funston, Leavenworth, Kan. He completed his service on a farm in Iowa.

He was married to Anna Foth on Sept. 1, 1921, and together they attended the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Calif.) in preparation for ministry. After graduation they served at the Indian reservation at Dulce, N.M. The following year the Western District Conference called them to serve churches in western Kansas and in Oklahoma. In 1926 they answered the call to pastor the Swiss Mennonite Church of Alsen, N.D.

His wife died during this time, and on Sept. 19, 1929 he married Elsie Graber of Freeman, S. D., which was the beginning of 50 years of warm companionship. While at Alsen, the Lord blessed them with two children, Vernon and Dellene. During this time they also served the churches at Munich, N.D. and Warroad, Minn.

In 1940 they accepted a call to serve the Friedensthal church in Avon, S.D. They served this church for a number of years, and later ministered at the Butterfield church in Minnesota and the Hutterthal church of Carpenter, S.D. He was also active in the Northern District conference, serving on the mission board and other committees.

Their children’s work in evangelism and missionary activities were a great joy to them. In 1969 they had the privilege of spending six months in Papua New guinea with their daughter and her husband, Al Stucky. The death of their son Vernon in 1971 left some scars, but strengthened their faith in God.

Edward’s great concern throughout his life was the saving of souls. He spent much time searching the scriptures and had a great concern for the lonely and elderly.

Surviving are his widow, Elsie of Freeman, S.D.; a daughter, Dellene of Papua New guinea; a daughter-in-law, Marilyn of Freeman, four brothers, Ben and Albert of Goessel, Kan., Henry of Newton, Kan. and Ferd of Hillsboro, Kan.; two sisters, Agentha Duerksen of Hesston, Kan. and Mrs. Justina Voth of Lynden, Wash.; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son Vernon; a sister, Lena; and a brother, Gustav.

Funeral services were held Oct 2 at the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church of Freeman with Russell Mast officiating. Interment was at the church cemetery.