Harlin Calvin Duerksen, 90, died
November 28, 2022 in Newton, Kansas. He was born February 11, 1932 in
Hillsboro, Kansas to Cornelius Rose (C. R.) and Martha (Funk)
Duerksen. On March 7, 1953, he married Doris Joan Swanson at First
Baptist Church in Newton and she preceded him in death on August 5,
2014. He accepted God?s sacrificial gift of Salvation at a young
age. He was a Charter Member of Bible Baptist Church of Newton where
he was an Elder, Sunday School teacher, Music director, Youth
Sponsor, and mentor to many. Along with Mom, they always had a
welcoming home. An email received by a family member states ?He was
one of the Godliest men I have ever known with a servant?s heart,
willingness to serve at a moment?s notice, always positive
attitude, and willing to give counsel to those that came to him for
advice.? Another writes, ?I am certain whoever met him took
something positive away. He defines grace.? In later years, he
became a member of the Newton Bible Church. He was always caring and
praying for the leadership and Church family. He also served on the
Berean Academy Board for many years. He was an advocate for young
people to follow Christ.
After he married Mom, he got a job that
he didn?t think he would get with Railroad Savings and Loan. He was
hired because he could understand and speak High and Low German. This
job is what prompted him to take a correspondence course in
Accounting. At one point was offered a position in the construction
industry to do payroll and bookkeeping. He then expanded his
knowledge of construction which led to the purchase of Newton
Electric and the start of Genco Construction. He happily retired in
1992, which allowed him and Mom to travel to many places and winter
in Arizona and make many friends across the world.
Over the last few years, Dad started
having more health issues. He faced them with grace and positive
attitude. His Cardiologist even called him the ?Energizer Bunny?
as he kept going and going as he faced challenges. He strived to get
better and stronger so that he could enjoy and participate in the
activities that he looked forward to. His greatest joys were family
and family activities. He was our family?s greatest prayer Warrior.
Harlin is survived by his daughters
Connie (Terry) Tilson; Darla (Tim) Stucky and Lori (Randy) Harder,
brother Gerald (Mary Jo) Duerksen. He is also survived by 14
grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.
Harlin is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Roland, Mildor,
and Willis; sisters Elfrieda, Irma, and Louetta; grandson Jeremy
Stucky, and great-grandson Maxwell Ulrich. Memorial service will be
10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 8. 2022 at Newton Bible Church with
Pastor Matt Kruse presiding. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at
Peterson Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:00
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Private family Interment will
be in the Greenwood Cemetery Newton. Memorials may be made to Berean
Academy or Newton Bible Church and left with Peterson Funeral Home.
