Bertha Duerst

Bertha Catherine ""Kay"" Duerst, age 95, died November 16, 2009, at Sterling House in Sun Prairie.   She was born November 24, 1913 in Eau Pleine, Wisconsin to parents John and Magdaline (Dybala) Skibba.   She grew up in Junction City, WI where she worked in the family restaurant.   She married Hervy Duerst in 1936.   The couple's first home was in Berlin, Wisconsin.   They moved to Madison in 1942, where Kay lived until 2004.   She was a member of St. Patrick Church for 62 years.   Then she moved to Waunakee and became a member of St. John the Baptist Church.   She was preceded in death by Hervy, the love of her life; parents; sisters, Martha Schoeffel, Rose MacDonald, Jeanne Buchholz and Bernice Splitstore; and thirteen half brothers and sisters.   She is survived by her two daughters Mary (Gerry) Kruschek of Waunakee and Joan, Sinsinawa Dominican, Madison; four grandchildren; Joseph Kruschek, Kristin (Jeff) Mikkelson, David Kruschek, Michael (Liz) Kruschek; four great grandchildren: Jacob Stark, Calen Mikkelson, Trevor and Taylor Kruschek, and Maggie Kruschek.   Kay loved her family, singing, baking for her friends and family, growing and arranging flowers and playing cards with friends.   We are grateful for the care she received from the staff of Sterling House, Sun Prairie and the Hospice team of HospiceCare, Inc.   Funeral Services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM on November 19, 2009, at St. Johns Catholic Church in Waunakee.   Rev Pat Wendler will officiate.   Friends may call from 9:30 AM until the time of the service on Thursday.   Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.