Gerald Eugene Duerksen, age 81, of Abilene, Kansas, passed away on July 25, 2024, at Village Manor Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family.
Born on September 16, 1942, in Hillsboro, Kansas Gerald lived a life marked by his commitment to his faith and family. After graduating from Lehigh Rural High School, Gerald began farming and raising livestock outside of Lehigh until 1983. Life circumstances then took him on a different path as he returned to college to pursue a degree in social work from Bethel College.
His new career as a social worker for SRS in Abilene and surrounding communities allowed him to touch the lives of many children and families, making a significant impact through his compassionate service.
On January 10, 1975, Gerald married Jane Littrell in McPherson, Kansas. This union joined Gerald’s daughters and son with Jane’s daughter and son. They added to their family welcoming two daughters of their own. Their marriage was a source of great joy and companionship throughout their 49 years together. Gerald was a member of First Christian Church Abilene where he found community and continued to grow his faith. He especially enjoyed meeting with other men from the church for weekly coffee - a tradition that brought him much happiness and camaraderie.
Gerald dedicated his life to Christ at a young age and frequently told his children and grandchildren that developing a relationship with Christ and accepting him as Lord and Savior was the most important decision of their lives. His love and commitment to his family were evident in everything he did. He spent many hours in gyms, on ball fields, tennis courts, and golf courses attending as many games or programs of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as he was able.
Gerald didn’t know a stranger and was known for his great sense of humor. He delighted in ornery jokes and ribbing that would often bring laughter and joy to those around him. His legacy of hard work, faith, and compassion will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Duerksen; his children: Shannon (Todd) Davis, Sherri Duerksen, Craig (Megan) Duerksen, Jeff (Diane) Lindteigen, Angie (Rick) Vlasin, Rebecca (Kris) Kobiskie, and Stephanie (Kyle) Becker; his 15 grandchildren (Hunter, Morgan, Lauren, Scott, Sean, Talby, Annie, Meghan, Kris, Marcus, Elliott, Matigan, Kaleb, Kyson, Kolt); and his 3 great-grandchildren (Brailen, Landrie, Lowry) as well as his brother, Gary (Janet) Duerksen and sister, Laura Bishop;. He was preceded in death by his parents, Menno and Lydia Duerksen.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 2nd at 10:30 am at First Christian Church in Abilene. Following the service, all who knew Gerald are invited to a luncheon and visitation time at the church. Burial will be the same day at 2:00 pm at Lehigh Cemetery (Chisholm Trail Rd., Lehigh, KS).Memorials may be made to Abilene First Christian Church or to Hospice of Dickinson County. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third St., Abilene, Kansas 67410. Online condolences may be sent to www.martinbeckercarlson.com