George Duerksen

George L. Duerksen, 84, of Lawrence passed away on Tuesday, April 23rd 2019 at Neuvant House in Lawrence. A private family inurnment will be held at Pioneer Cemetery. The family welcomes friends to an open house at Pat and George’s home on Sunday, April 28th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

George was born on October 29, 1934 in St. Joseph, Missouri the son of George H. and Louise M. (Dalke) Duerksen. George was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Kansas, studying in Australia. He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Music Education and Music Therapy at the University of Kansas. George met Patricia Beers at KU and they married in 1961. Patricia survives of the home. George taught in public schools prior to accepting a professorship at Michigan State University. He returned to the University of Kansas in 1969 to teach and lead the Music Education and Music Therapy Department until his retirement in 2011. He travelled extensively, teaching and mentoring in Saudi Arabia, England, Greece, Korea, and Australia.

Other survivors include his son, M. Jeffrey (Rochelle) Duerksen and daughter, Cynthia (Daniel) Rood both of Lawrence; four grandchildren, Matty, Allison, Jeffrey, and Tyler; and sister, Patricia Hoover, Raleigh, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, and son, Joseph S. Duerksen.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to LMH Endowment Association to aid in Parkinson’s treatment and research, or a charity of donor’s choice. These can be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.