Gerald Oscar Duerstock, 74, of Greensburg, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at his home. Jerry was born on January 7, 1946, in Batesville to Alvin and Hilda (Feldman) Duerstock.
Jerry had numerous values in life by which his family and friends will remember him. He valued hard work and a job well done, which is evident in his 44 years of service at Cummins Engine of Columbus. Along with working at Cummins, Jerry took on multiple side jobs of mowing lawns in the summer and cutting wood in winter as a way to provide a little extra for his family. Jerry also valued friendship, and he enjoyed hanging out with his buddies, sharing a drink, a story, a joke, and an abundance of laughs. Jerry was a man who would do anything for his friends, even if it meant sacrificing time, money, sleep or his own comfort.
Above everything else, Jerry valued being with his family. He loved spending time with them, vacationing in Daytona Beach, Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, and Dale Hollow Lake; and while he did not get many opportunities to travel as much after retirement, Jerry enjoyed a multitude of summer cookouts, Sunday evening get-togethers, numerous games of cornhole and ping-pong, as well as fishing for bluegill in the family pond. The pictures of him smiling ear to ear are proof of how much he loved his wife, kids, and grandkids. Jerry’s family and friends will miss him greatly; his funny stories, his infectious laugh, his smile, his open arms to his grandchildren, and his acts of kindness will be forever remembered in the man who was the greatest friend, father/father-in-law, grandpa, and husband who ever lived.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Eagles, the American Legion and was a former member of the Knights of Columbus.
Jerry was married to Paulette Schroeder on July 25, 1970, and she survives. He is also survived by one son, Tim (Amber) Duerstock; three daughters, Julie (Steve) Nobbe, Cindy (Matt) Slaven, and Jennifer (Wes) Hersley; one brother, Robert (Sharanne) Duerstock; and 12 grandchildren, Ben, Hailey, and Jacob Duerstock; Rachel, Emma, Sophie, and Claire Nobbe; Josie, Kelsey, and William Slaven; and Tessa and Huck Hersley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Arthur Duerstock, and granddaughter Isabelle Nobbe.
A private Mass will be held for family and closest friends at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greensburg and will be broadcast on the Porter-Oliger-Pearson funeral home Facebook page on Wednesday, January 13 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Jerry to St. Mary’s Church/ School. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.popfuneralhome.com