Obituary
Joseph Michael Durst
Joseph (Joe) Michael Durst, age 68, of La Crescent, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin, after living with COPD for a number of years. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Joseph B. and Joan M. (Koch) Durst. Joe graduated from Aquinas High School, La Crosse, in 1968, and attended Marquette University. After one year of college, Joe enlisted in the Air Force and served in Vietnam.
Following his honorable discharge, Joe continued his education at the University of Minnesota and Western Technical College. He worked as an electronics technician for Trane Company, designing and testing controls, and later for Benchmark Electronics and Omni Engineering.
Joe had a passion for locomotives and steam engines. When he was younger, he was a member of the Sports Car Club of La Crosse. He participated in many races, including some on ice. He accomplished building a beautiful house from the ground up, which involved intricate technologies and skill. He had quite a green thumb and nurtured many exotic plants. He became a father to more than just his daughters and gave refuge to many people. He kept a close eye on scientific breakthroughs and valued intelligence, patience, and analysis of worldly mechanisms. He always encouraged people to live through the lens of logic and reason. If ever a dream permitted him, it would be a space odyssey.
Joe is survived by his daughters Ezri Durst (special friend Merle) of La Crescent and Greta Durst of La Crosse, and the mother of his children, Ellie Durst. He is further survived by his father, Dr. Joseph Durst of La Crosse, his sisters Meg Storkamp (Jack) of Decorah, Iowa, Kathi Hansen (Kevin) of Wrightstown, Wisconsin, and Barb Durst of La Crosse, his aunt Luanne Durst, FSPA, of La Crosse, as well as cousins, nieces, and other relatives and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Durst, an infant brother Paul, his grandparents and aunts and uncles.
Thank you to the compassionate staff at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse.
A celebration of life open house will take place on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Prairie Room at the Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason St., Onalaska. Military Honors will conclude the gathering at 4:00 pm by the La Crescent American Legion Post 595 and the US Air Force.
To view or order his memorial video, please copy the following link into your web browser.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/5DN43Y62H2YY2599?
Photos shown below of Military Honors by La Crescent American Legion Post 595
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I first met him when we were both at Marquette Univ. When he told me he was going into the Air Force and would be at Lackland AFB for basic training, I gave him my parents’ phone number. I happened to be home when he called during a weekend liberty. We brought him over to the house, had a BBQ and some beers, and barely got him back to his barracks on time! Much later, I learned he was a cousin of Liz Koch (Wilke) and we met again at a Koch-Durst family picnic.
Rest in peace, Joe.
Ezri thank you for contacting me to inform me of your Dad’s passing. My deepest heartfelt condolences to Joe’s family. Joe was a great Son, Brother, Father and My Friend. I will miss you Joe??Rest In Peace Joe … See you on the other side … I love you??
You were a good friend. Always there for me through thick and thin. We created some spectacular memories together. For your love I am forever grateful.
Joe, our deep and personal condolences to you and your family at the way too early death of your son Joe. May God be with you at this sad time in your family.
Dear Greta and Ezri – We were saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. We just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts. We will be there on Tuesday in spirit.
With our deepest sympathies
Clare, Paul, Vincent and Desmond
Joe was a great guy to work with. Even though I didn’t see him much these last few years, it was good knowing he was there. He will be missed in Duluth. RIP
Sad to see a good guy go. Worked with Joe many times when he was with Trane and when he was with Omni. Always willing to help.My condolences to his family.
One of my strongest memories of my Uncle Joe (my mom’s brother) is the time he taught me how to fly a kite. It was so fun and a bit magical!
He will be missed.
Love from Nick and Frances, too.
Love,
Laura
I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He will be missed so much. I met Joe at Omni Engineering and became good friends quickly. He taught me so much – and I always felt that he enjoyed making sure everyone was on the same page. Joe is and always will be a gift to all that knew him well. May all of your thoughts of this kind soul be happy and wonderful memories. Until then Joe!
I have so many different memories. Joe was my godfather & cousin. I always felt that I had a special connection to him. I remember when he was at Marquette U. He had a Triumph in our little garage. Racing green! I thought that was so cool! I was 4ish. Later, after Vietnam, he took me for a ride on his Harley up Grand Dad’s Bluff. Aunt Joan was so mad! It was such fun! Love you always!
I am sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I worked with Joe quite a few years ago when he was at Trane and Benchmark Electronics. Our condolences goes out to all his family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I have some fond memories from the time we worked together, he was never for a loss of an opinion and he had some interesting way of looking at and solving problems. Fun to talk to also.
My sympathy to Joe’s family. I went to school with him at Blessed Sacrament and then met him again while working at Trane. Such a character. We shared many laughs over time. He will be missed. May God be with you at this time of sorrow.
My prayers and sympathy to Dr. Durst, Meg, and the family