Donald William Duerst

Private graveside services will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington. A public time to celebrate and honor Don's life is being planned for a later date. Memorial contributions should be made to the Don Duerst Memorial Fund in c/o the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Burlington.
Cards of condolence can be sent to Mrs. Linda Duerst; Box 99; Burlington, CO 80807.
Donald William Duerst, 84, of Burlington, Co., passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Denver, Co.
Don was born in Scribner, Nebraska, on August 20, 1939, to William (Bus) Duerst and Phyllis Linderholm Duerst. He was the first son and the third child in a family that eventually grew to be a family of seven.
Growing up on a large dairy farm, Don learned the values of hard work and a strong work ethic, traits that would define him throughout his life. In 1950, the Duerst family moved to Columbia, Mo., where Don continued to develop his many talents and interests. He graduated from Hickman High School in 1957, and married Martha Dothage that same year.
In Columbia, Don trained as a machinist and quickly became one of the city's top welders. Early in the 1960s, he began working for a local Volkswagen dealership, and became an expert foreign car mechanic, a rare skill at the time. After building a strong reputation in the field, he opened his own business, which eventually expanded to become Duerst Automotive.
Don proudly served in the National Guard for eight years, initially as a cook and later in artillery. His commitment to service and his community was a hallmark of his life.
In 1971, he married Linda Hudnell Cathey, a partner with whom he shared the rest of his life. Together they moved to Burlington CO. in 1975, and opened Duerst Machine Works, a company that specialized in agricultural, industrial and automotive rebuilding and repair. He felt like he had moved back to the business he had always prepared for.
In the early 1980's he began his water well drilling, service, and repair business, to complement the machine shop and shortage of drilling services. He believed in making a difference in the · lives of the ranchers, farmers, and communities his company served, actively participating in most professional organizations associated with his trade. He at one time or another he held
all offices in the Colorado Well Water Association, including President.
In high school, Don and a good friend raced two sprint cars in the Midwest. Don was the mechanic who kept the racecars running smoothly, leading the team to win several championships. In the early 1970's, he purchased a Championship Dirt Car, hired a driver, and competed at the Missouri State Fair, securing a 7th place finish. For the rest of the season, Don traveled with his family, enjoying the thrill of racing and the adventure of discovering new places. Later, Don purchased a Harris chassis and built Brian a modified car to race!
Don was an avid gardener who took great pride and joy in cultivating plants, flowers, and vegetables. His bountiful garden always overflowed, providing friends and family with its abundant harvest. He was a creative and forward-thinking individual, known for his problem­solving abilities and knack for finding innovative solutions.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, a brother, and a son, Brian D. Duerst. Don is survived by his wife of 52 ½ years, Linda Duerst; daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Julie and Kevin Bennett; son, John Cathey; four grandchildren: Whitney Bennett, Morgan Ehtessabian, Lauryn Cathey, and Mason Witzel; and seven great-grandchildren. He loved and was dearly loved by his
family and friends, and they will miss him greatly.
He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony accompanied by a military honor guard.
Celebration of life will follow at a later date.