Robert Durrstein

Robert Louis Durrstein, 94, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at Wesley Manor in Frankfort, Ind. He was born on March 22, 1923 to Carl O. and Margaret Gibson Durrstein. On September 30, 1945, he married Carolyn T. Meeske, who preceded him in death, on March 2, 2008.  Also preceding him in death are his sisters, Marie (Elmer) Christenson and Jane (William) McCampbell.

Robert graduated in 1941 from Battle Creek High School and attended Purdue University where he was a member of Triangle Fraternity. He was employed by the Oliver Corporation in Battle Creek in 1944, later becoming assistant chief engineer with responsibility for combine design and field testing. In 1962, he began working for Hart Carter Company in Peoria, Ill., to later become vice-president in charge of engineering and marketing. The Peoria operation moved to Mendota, Ill. where he retired in 1985. In August 2000, he and Carolyn moved to Wesley Manor in Frankfort, Ind.

He was a life member of the Free and Accepted Masons Lodge in Battle Creek, a member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge while in Mendota, and a member of the United Methodist Churches where he resided, most recently at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Frankfort.

He is survived by his sons, Alan, of Battle Creek, Richard (Merry), of Chillicothe, Ill., Susan (Dr. Robert) Demkovich, of Clarendon Hills, Ill., eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

Plans for a memorial service will be determined at a later date. Memorials in Robert's name may be made to the Wesley Manor Employee Appreciation Fund, 1555 N. Main St., Frankfort, IN, 46041. Arrangements are entrusted to Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort with online condolences being directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.