Doris Joan Duerksen

Doris Joan Duerksen 79, died Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at Kansas Christian Home. She was born January 19, 1935 in Wann, Oklahoma to Theodore and Lottie (Bush) Swanson.  On March 7, 1953 she married Harlin C. Duerksen at First Baptist Church in Newton, Kansas and he survives of the home.  Joan was an active member of the Newton Bible Church where she enjoyed meeting new people inviting them to their home and making them feel welcomed in church.  She was also a member of the Christian Women’s Organization in Newton where she made many connections and friends while serving the Lord.  Joan was a social person and enjoyed meals with her many friends. After her retirement she enjoyed traveling and wintering in Arizona and she also enjoyed the move to the campus of Kansas Christian Home where she and her husband expanded their circle of friends.  Faith and family were hallmarks of Joan’s life. She always looked forward to being with her daughters and their families and being involved in their lives.

Joan is survived by her husband Harlin of Newton, KS; daughters: Connie and Terry Tilson of Newton, KS; Darla and Tim Stucky of Newton, KS; and Lori and Randy Harder of Andover, KS and a brother: Don Swanson of Phoenix, AZ.  She is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, brother Jack Swanson and one grandson Jeremy Stucky.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 9, 2014 at Newton Bible Church with Pastor Matthew Kruse presiding.  Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday evening with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home.  Private family interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery Newton, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to Berean Academy, Newton Bible Church Youth Mission Activity or Kansas Christian Home in Care of Petersen Funeral Home.