DURKSEN
Vernon
Vernon Durksen passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 in Red Deer at the Red Deer Hospice at the age of 80 years. Vern was born December 11, 1933 in Sedalia, AB to John and Helen Durksen. In 1935 his father, John, was killed when he was overcome by gases from a cesspool. Vern was 1 year old at the time. Helen got married a second time to William Schuetz. Vern was 9 years old when his family moved from Sedalia to the Hines Creek area, where they lived for a number of years before moving to Comox, BC. In Comox, while still in school, Vern cut lawns for some Americans who lived in the area for 6 months of the year. After finishing his schooling, Grade 9, he worked at home on the farm with his step-father William Schuetz. The Schuetz-Durksen family lived in a number of places before Vern left home. Vern worked in the Veteran area for Obed Thulien (his brother-in-law), Bill Nichol, and Ted Christianson before attending the Full Gospel Bible Institute in Eston, SK. There he met Faye Orvold and they were married April 3,1958 in Melfort Sk. Together they raised their family of five, Glenn, Darrel, Wayne, Lanny and Sherry. They lived in Saskatoon, Melfort, Watrous and Stettler before returning to the Veteran area in 1970. Vern worked for many years as a mechanic and eventually purchased his own garage in Veteran, Vern's Service. In 1975 he purchased the farm south of Veteran in the Hemaruka area where he farmed as well as operated the garage for a number of years. He eventually sold the garage and went full time farming. Vern always had a love for music and would often sing at church, and for funerals. Shortly before he retired from the farm he began to pursue singing more seriously and produced a few CD's. He loved to go to Jamborees to sing and enjoyed the music of others. He leaves behind his wife, of 6 years, Jean Durksen, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Glenn (Twyla) Durksen (Brady), Darrel (Pat) Durksen (Dawn (Mackenzie),and Darcy (Andrea) (Ryder, Jayda, Layla and Jersey). Wayne (Lori) Durksen (Chelsea (Eric) Peters, Shayla). Lanny (Lori) Durksen (Jayden), Sherry (Danton) Lalonde (Kierra (Zac) Stasko, Ashley and Brittany). One sister, Anne Thulien, 1 brother, Walter (Irene) Durksen and 1 step-brother, Lloyd (Madeline) Schuetz. Sister-in-law Shirley (Ivan) Halverson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services for Vernon Durksen were held on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at the Veteran Full Gospel Church, Veteran, AB. As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Vern, memorial contributions may be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society or to a charity of the donor's choice; in care of Coronation Funeral Home P.O. Box 358 Coronation, Alberta TOC 1CO who have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 403.578.2928 Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.