Leon Dell Duerksen was born October 7, 1947, to Cornelius and Iris Duerksen. He was born in an ambulance on the way to the hospital in Marysville, California. He had three brothers and three sisters. He later served in the Vietnam War as a mechanic. During his time in the war, he was awarded a Purple Heart.
Leon married Kathryn Marie Fox in 1969. Together they raised 10 children. He worked hard to provide for his children, at one point taking on four jobs. His last job was at the California Correctional Center in Susanville, California, where he was a teacher. He retired and spent the rest of his life with his loving wife in Janesville, California. He enjoyed spending time with his children and his grandchildren. Leon died Monday, March 27 with his wife by his side.
Leon is survived by his wife of 54 years Kathryn, his children; Eric (Kimberly), Robin Phillips (Kencay), Aaron (Misty), Craig Wieland (Mac), Alicia Vetter (Justin), Joshua (Ashley), Devin (Christine), Laura Silipu, Forest (Melinda), and Renee Brown, 41 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
