Duerksen, George N. (1904-1995)

Newton Kansan obituary: 1995 Nov 20 p. 12

Birth date: 1904 Dec 20

Text of obituary:

George N. Duerksen

WICHITA — George N. Duerksen, 90, retired Wichita State University professor, died Saturday (Nov. 18, 1995) at Newton Medical Center.

He was born Dec. 20, 1904, in Hillsboro, to Cornelius Duerksen and Anna Nickel Duerksen. He married Viola M. Krehbiel on June 14, 1931, in Moundridge. She died Aug. 28, 1994.

Survivors include one son, Don R. of Rose Hill; one daughter, Nancy Glass of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at 9 a. m. Wednesday at the First Mennonite Church Cemetery in Moundridge. A memorial service will be at 11 a. m. Wednesday at the Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church in Wichita.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p. m. Tuesday at the Harder-Kaufman Funeral Home in Moundridge.

Memorials may be sent to Bethel College in Newton in care of the funeral home.

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Funeral program biographical sketch:

George N. Duerksen passed away Saturday, November 18, 1995 at Newton Medical Center in Newton, Kansas. He was born December 20, 1904 to Anna Nickel Duerksen and Cornelius B. Duerksen on the family farm near Hillsboro, Kansas, where he spent his early years.

George graduated from Hillsboro Academy in 1921, Bethel College Academy in 1924 and Pittsburg State University in 1929. He obtained his Masters Degree from Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kansas in 1938.

He united in marriage with Viola Meda Krehbiel on June 14, 1931. They celebrated the birth of a daughter, Nancy Lee, in 1935 and son Don Ray in 1939. George spent his early career teaching and coaching in Alma, Girard and Pittsburg in southeast Kansas. In 1942 he moved his family to Wichita where he began teaching at Wichita East High. At this time he joined the Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church where he served on many committees and activities and is still a member.

He retired from East High in 1967 and joined the College of Education at Wichita State University where he was a Professor until his retirement in 1971.

After his retirement, George was able to spend more time in the activities he loved, Wichita East Lions Club, of which he was a charter member since 1950, and R. A. F. T. where he was also a charter member. He spent numerous years as officer or director of these organizations.

George continued to be active in the church, including Mennonite Disaster Relief activities as well as the MCC sale, where for many years he lettered all of the signs for the sale in calligraphy script.

George and Viola also traveled extensively, including many Lions Club conventions in the U. S. and abroad. His love of sports was evident as a player, coach, track and field official, and his attendance at WSU baseball and basketball games. He also enjoyed fishing, and delighted in taking his family on many fishing trips.

George devoted his life to loving and sharing, not only for his family, friends and church but also gave freely of his time, caring and resources to anyone in need.

George and Viola left their home of 52 years in Wichita and moved to Schowalter Villa in Hesston during December of 1993, where Viola preceded him in death August 28, 1994. George is also preceded in death by 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

George is survived by his daughter, Nancy Glass of Houston, Texas, son Don R. Duerksen of Rose Hill, Kansas, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.