Leroy G. Duerksen
1935 - 2021
Leroy G. Duerksen, 85, a near life-long
resident of Hesston, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 25, 2021 at
Bethesda Home in Goessel. He was born October 10, 1935 in Goessel,
the son of George and Mathilda "Tillie" (Boese) Duerksen.
Leroy graduated from Goessel High
School with the class of 1954.
He worked for Hesston Corporation for
41 years, retiring in 2000. Leroy was a painter and crew chief. After
retirement, Leroy became a crossing guard in Hesston.
He was a member of Whitestone Mennonite
Church in Hesston. Leroy was also a member of Lions Club, where he
helped clean up and worked on the Lions Club Park. This project was
important to him. Leroy also was a part of the State and National
International Harvester Collectors Club.
Leroy was united in marriage to Mary
Jane Curry on March 15, 1957 in Winchester, Kansas. She preceded him
in death on September 14, 2011.
Leroy is survived by his daughter,
Laurie Duerksen of Hesston; sons, Jon Duerksen and Kevin (Kathleen)
Duerksen, both of Newton; two grandchildren, Tabitha (Ryan) Hughes of
Halstead, and Jacob Duerksen of Newton; two great-granddaughters; and
sisters, Cora Ketterman of Prairie Village and Mary Ediger of North
Newton.
He was preceded in death by his
parents; wife; son, David Duerksen; sister, Phyllis (Paul C.) Unruh;
and brothers-in-law, Romney J. Ketterman and Marlow Ediger.
Cremation is planned with private
family graveside services to be held at Hesston Cemetery. Memorial
contributions may be made to Hesston Lions Club in care of Miller-Ott
Funeral Home, PO Box 32, Hesston, KS 67062.