Kenneth L. Duerstock's Obituary
Kenneth L. Duerstock, age 86 of Batesville, died Saturday, April 9, 2011 at St. Andrew’s Health Campus in Batesville. Born November 21, 1924 in Milhousen, Indiana, he is the son of Catherine (Nee: Menkedick) and Lawrence Duerstock. He married Caroline Kleine August 25, 1951 at Holy Family Church in Oldenburg, Indiana and she preceded him in death April 30, 2010. Ken worked at Hill-Rom as a wood sander for 38 years before retiring in 1989. He was a member of St. Louis Church.While Ken had numerous hobbies, vegetable gardening was probably at the top of the list. His family indicated that as the years went by, more and more of the yard was turned into additional garden space. However, any flowers that were planted were usually mowed down. Other outdoor activities included fishing, cutting wood and after his retirement he often walked or would bike ride. Cards were another passion and while his daughters said he would play anything, solo, euchre and 500 were among his favorites. He also liked to follow the Reds as well as enjoying a cold beer. He liked to laugh which explains why “The Red Skelton Show” was a favorite of his. Other programs he watched were “Bonanza” and more recently the game shows “Jeopardy” and “The Price is Right”. Ken was a devout man often attending daily mass and loved spending time with his family. His daughters remember his work ethic and later in life when his health started to slip, his determination and unbreakable spirit. He is survived by daughters Carol Ciesielski of Portage, Indiana, Alice Schwegman, Theresa Dickman, Rose Hountz and Cathy Duerstock, all of Batesville; sister Helen Tebbe of Orlando, Florida; brothers Urban of Greensburg, Indiana, Cyril of Napoleon, Indiana, Marvin of Manchester, Indiana; ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he is also preceded death by sisters Rita Young, Margaret Bedel and brothers Norbert and Vincent. Visitation is Tuesday, April 12th, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home with a rosary service at 4 p.m. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 13th, at St. Louis Church with Rev. Randy Summers officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Louis School Tuition Angels or Phi Beta Psi Sorority Cancer Research.
What’s your fondest memory of Kenneth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kenneth?
Share a story where Kenneth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kenneth you’ll never forget.
How did Kenneth make you smile?