BioA: Duerkop, Ivan and Benita (65^th Ann. – 2009)

Contact: Dolores

Surnames: Duerkop

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) June 3, 2009

Duerkop, Ivan and Benita (65^th Anniversary – 8 June 2009)

Ivan and Benita Duerkop of Black River Falls will celebrate their 65^th wedding Anniversary June 8.  The couple met in 1940, while working at the Baitinger Rail O’ Matic Eat at the Minnesota State Fair.  In 1944, they were married at the First Evangelical Church in St. Paul, MN.  Ivan and Benita are blessed with seven children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

They farmed near Fairchild, where Ivan grew up, for 24 years.  Ivan also worked at Presto Industries in Eau Claire and in 1970 began working as a welder and machinist at D & S Manufacturing in Black River Falls, retiring in 1986.  After the couple raised their family, Benita worked as a teacher/IMC/sub aide in the Black River School District from 1972 to 1998.

Ivan enjoys woodworking and shared his skills with his grandchildren in 4-H.  For many years, Benita was the Sunday school superintendent at the Fairchild Methodist Church, taught Sunday school, held Five-Day Clubs and was a 4-H leader.  Benita also served as a volunteer with the Black River Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for many years. 

Ivan Duerkop, Benita Duerkop, Black River Falls, Baitinger Rail O’ Matic Eat, Minnesota State Fair, First Evangelical Church, St. Paul, MN, Minn., Minnesota, Fairchild, Presto Industries, Eau Claire, D & S Manufacturing, IMC, Black River School District, 4-H, Fairchild Methodist Church, Five-Day Club, Black River Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.