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Duerksen, John W. (1891-1953)

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<center><h3>REV. JOHN W. DUERKSEN</h3>
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Rev. John W. Duerksen, eldest son of Prof. and Mrs. J. F. Duerksen, was born on August 9, 1891 at Buhler, Kansas. The family later moved to McPherson, Kansas where he received his childhood training and elementary education
 
Rev. John W. Duerksen, eldest son of Prof. and Mrs. J. F. Duerksen, was born on August 9, 1891 at Buhler, Kansas. The family later moved to McPherson, Kansas where he received his childhood training and elementary education

Latest revision as of 11:07, 23 April 2019

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Jul 2 p. 1

Birth date: 1891 Aug 9

text of obituary:

MINISTER, BUSINESS MAN OF PREMONT TEXAS DIED SUDDENLY

Premont, Texas. — Rev. John W. Duerksen, 61, former pastor of the Mennonite Brethren church here, died suddenly of a heart attack at his home on June 23. He had been in ill health since December 1952.

Funeral services were held at the M. B. church on June 25, Rev. Walter Gomez of Edinburg officiating.


Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Jul 16 p. 9

text of obituary:

REV. JOHN W. DUERKSEN

Rev. John W. Duerksen, eldest son of Prof. and Mrs. J. F. Duerksen, was born on August 9, 1891 at Buhler, Kansas. The family later moved to McPherson, Kansas where he received his childhood training and elementary education

In July 1905 the family moved to Corn, Oklahoma where his father became superintendent of the Corn Bible School and Academy. He graduated from this school in 1908 and later enrolled at the Southwestern Normal at Weatherford, Oklahoma where he received his teachers training. At the age of 17 he began to teach school and followed this occupation for five years.

On Feb. 21, 1915, he was united in holy matrimony to Anna Richert at Corn, Okla. Together they moved to Weatherford where he was engaged in the hardware business. Later they moved to Corn and in 1928 they moved with their family to Premont, Texas to establish their future home.

He was interested in various business enterprises while living in Premont. He was well known and had a host of friends, and was always willing to help his fellowmen with a word of encouragement and good will.

It was during a series of revival meetings conducted by Missionary John H. Voth at Corn in 1908 that he realized in his early youth the necessity of salvation. He accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and was baptized upon confession of faith, and received into the Mennonite Brethren church at Corn, Okla. The Scriptural text upon which he grounded his faith is Proverbs 3: 5 and 6. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

He was always interested in church work, civic and social affairs, devoting much of his time to these activities, especially in the interest of the church.

For 11 years Rev. Duerksen was active in the ministry of the Gospel. On April 6, 1947, the Premont M. B. church elected him as pastor. He was interested in the church and its members, serving faithfully in all activities. Due to ill health he resigned from active ministry in Sept. 1952.

In December 1952 Rev. and Mrs. Duerksen planned a trip to Oklahoma to visit some of their friends and relatives. On the last day of the year as they were in the home of friends in Corn, he suffered a stroke and was taken to the Woods hospital at Weatherford. Every available medical aid was applied, and with tender care given by his loving wife, the nurses and doctors, he was able to return to his home in Premont in April. He regained enough strength so that he could drive around and enjoy the scenery, even to the extent that he could drive his own car for a few miles, which gave him great satisfaction and hope.

He passed away suddenly between the hours of 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. on June 23, 1953, at his home. He had reached the age of 61 years, nine months, 23 days.

He leaves to mourn his departure his dear and loving wife, Anna Duerksen; three daughters, Adelaide and husband Ed. Middleton on Midland, Texas: Lois and husband Sidney Burney of Premont; JoAnn and husband, of Virginia Beach, Va.; four grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. J, S. Warkentin of Premont; five brothers, A. G. Duerksen and J. H. Duerksen of Corn, Okla., G. H. Duerksen of Bartlesville, Okla., P. W. Duerksen of Dinuba, Cal., and H. M. Duerksen of Bellingham, Wash.

He was a devoted and loving husband and father, always seeking the best in spiritual and physical welfare for his family.

We sorrow not as being without hope. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." II Tim. 4:7, 8.

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