Dateline: Richland Center

Francis F. Durst age 87 of Richland Center passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at the Richland Hospital.  He was born on September 5, 1923 in Ithaca Township the son of Adam J. and Lauretta (Dederich) Durst.  He was married on April 24, 1946 to the former Elizabeth Blakeley.  Francis was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Keyesville, was on the Ithaca Town Board for many years, St. Mary’s Parish Council for many years, sang in 3 barbershop Quartets and was proud of donating over 25 gallons of blood to the blood bank.  Survivors include: his wife, Elizabeth Durst of Richland Center, 6 children, Jeanne (Martin) Pollock of Yorktown Heights, NY, Cynthia Marcelais of Sanford, NC, Randall (Michele Nolen-Karras) Durst of Yuba, Patrick (Emma) Durst of Bangkok, Thailand, Doris (Bob Mertens) Durst of Chippewa Falls, WI, Eric Durst of Hickory, NC, 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 2 siblings, Jerry R. (Florence) Durst of Hillpoint, Lauretta McGlynn of Cazenovia, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Lauretta Durst, a sister, Margaret Heitke, a brother, Joseph Durst and a grandson, Chris Durst.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 21, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Keyesville.  Fr. Andre Panek will officiate with burial in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at the Stafford Funeral Home in Richland Center from 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. where a parish rosary will be recited at 4:00 P.M.   Visitation will also be held on Monday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M.