Leonhard Daniel Edward Duerst

Leonhard Daniel Edward Duerst, age 89, of Orlando, Florida passed away peacefully at him home in Orlando on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

He was born on August 14, 1934 in Snyder, NE, son to his late parents, Leonard Joseph and Olga {Klintworth} Duerst. On September 30, 1934, he was baptized into the Missouri Synod Lutheran Faith, where he was a lifetime member, and was later confirmed on May 16, 1948. Len is currently a member at Woodlands Lutheran Church, Monte Verde, FL.

He was a graduate of Snyder High School, class of 1952, and later attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

On May 14, 1955, Len married his loving and devoted wife, Mercedes L. Lebakken.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1953 at the age of 19. During his service, he worked as a field radio operator, and received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Award, U.N. Ribbon & Medal, and Good Conduct Award before his honorable discharge in 1957.

Upon returning home from the military, he went back to the family farm. However, he began to suffer from asthma and hay fever, so he moved to Lincoln, NE and began work for Meadow Gold Milk. Len's later work took him to Oakland, CA doing delivery for Carnation Milk. Eventually he was employed for the Keene Corporation where he worked in sales as well as working with the saws, grinders, and knives for meat packing plants. This job transferred him to Spokane, WA. While in Spokane, Len began work with Ryder Car Haulers that lasted 18 years before retiring and moving to Leesburg FL.

In his free time, he enjoyed flying. Len learned to fly living in California, and was part owner of a plane. He also liked reading, daily crossword puzzles, and spending time with his nieces and nephews, in particular riding his Harley in Louisiana with his nephew. He always had a good story or joke to tell.

Len and Mercedes traveled to many places in the US and abroad- they enjoyed RV life and traveled throughout the country with their two dogs, Rocky and Abby. They took tours and went on cruises, collecting many treasures from all of their travel along the way.

Len is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Mercedes Duerst. He is also survived by his sister Rosalyn Kindschuh of Wisner, NE, and two sisters in law Ramona Habeck of Fountain City, WI and Diane (Conrad) Nelson of Knoxville, IA; his nieces and nephews, Kevin (Colleen) Kindschuh of West Chester,OH, Kris (Penny) Kindschuh of Pahoa, HI, Kurt (Melanie) Kindschuh of Wisner,NE, Kim (Mike) Scott of Las Vegas, NV, Brian (Brenda) Habeck of Lake Jackson, TX, Jason Habeck of Hayden, ID, Jodi (Jeff) Engel of Moberly, MO, Derek (Cori) Nelson of Leawood, KS, Grant (Sheena) Nelson of Minneapolis, MN, and Cale (Brooke) Nelson of New Brighton, MN; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 10:00 am at Lutheran Towers Chapel, 300 E. Church St, Orlando, FL 32801 with Pastor Milan Weerts officiating.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Thursday, November 9 from 9:00 am - 10:00 am at the chapel.

Internment will follow with military honors on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Florida National Cemetery , 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL.

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