It is with deep sadness we mark the passing of our long-time supporter and advocate, Jerry Duerksen.
Since 1980 Jerry and Beckie Duerksen have supported Old Mill Center in many ways. They believed in Bev Larson’s vision: all children deserve the same opportunity for an early education. They liked what she and the Center were doing. It fit right in with Jerry’s deep desire to see that every child receive a strong educational foundation. He believed that every kid should be able to graduate from high school, and that whether they went on to college, trade school, or started a career, that education (including preschool) was of utmost importance.
Little did the Duerksens realize that they would one day reach out to Old Mill to gain support for their family as they took on the role of parenting their grandson. As their grandson progressed in our counseling programs, they were able to see firsthand how effective working with a child with behavioral or mental health issues could be. They personally witnessed the positive results of the work they had been supporting for many years.
Jerry was not just a supporter, he was an advocate for our organization and a community leader who quietly provided a path to change for the kids in our community, something about which he was passionate. We are grateful for the Duerksens’ contributions, thankful for Jerry’s active involvement in our Board of Directors and Fund Development activities, honored to collaborate with him, and heavy-hearted at his passing. We will miss his ever-present smile at our 40th auction next year.
