John Durkin

John Julius Durkin, 88, went home to the Lord Jesus July 9th, 2013 while at the Altru Hospital with his wife at his side. John Durkin was born December 12, 1924 in Walsh County, North Dakota, the son of John and Martha (Lipinski) Durkin. He grew up in the Ardoch, ND area where he attended the rural Walsh County School and helped on the family farm. On February 12th, 1945 he married his life long love, Eleanor Kowalczik. Together they shared many beautiful, wonderful years together raising 6 children. Along in life, years brought many hard and trying times, but that is where their faith, love, and trust in God pulled them through. John was a hard worker and provider for his family. He was employed with the Great Northern and Burlington Railway as an electrician for 38 years and also worked for the Grand Forks Herald. If you knew him well, you'd know he had a great sense of humor, as he loved to joke around. He loved to take pictures and HE LOVED TO BE IN THE PICTURE! John was a man with a kind heart and reached out to help anyone. He will be remembered by many. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Eleanor, Grand Forks; daughters; Carol (Jon), Chicago; Marilyn, Grand Forks; Shirley (Wayne), Lakota; Karen (Rick), Duluth. Daughter in law; Linda, Grand Forks, Grandsons; Christopher (Azuree), Trevor (Hannah), Christopher (Michelle), Michael (Jakie), Cole(Tracey), Joshua, And John. Granddaughters; Corinna, Calley, Laura(Scott), Megan, Christine, Marlya, Tamzen, and Tabitha; Great Grandchildren; Brittany (Scott), Kayle, CJ, Michael Jr., Taylor, Kadyn, Evan, Scottie, Audrey, Hailey, Noel, Mackenzie, Naya, Sumaia, and Zaiyan; sisters, Sister Bridget, Evelyn (Walter) Paschke and Madonna (Lowell) Barsness. John was preceded in death by his sons, Ronnie and John Durkin Jr. and his daughter, Jane Paulson; his parents, John and Martha Durkin; brothers, Theodore and Joseph; sisters, Betty Staskivige, Vernie Drege, and Helen Bearson . Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m., Tuesday July 16, 2013 at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grand Forks. Burial will be in Calvary South Cemetery, Grand Forks