Mark Steven Duerst

Mark Steven Duerst was a very special guy. On June 9th, 2026, Mark joined those in Heaven who left before him, and he’ll one day be reunited with others he loves, perfected and joyful as ever. Mark was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 31, 1954. His parents were William Bruce Duerst and Gloria Ann Duerst (Strauss). There were complications during Mark’s birth. As a toddler and beyond, it became clear that Mark was not developing the same way as other children his age; he had trouble using his left hand, he walked with a limp, and he had mumbled (dysarthric) speech. It was suspected that he had cerebral palsy. As he became older, it was clearer that he had intellectual disabilities. Mark was sent to the Southern Wisconsin Colony and Training School in Union Grove. He would see his family in Wisconsin often, but SWC remained his primary home for 18 years. In the 1970’s, many states began moving away from this congregate-care model, and in 1980, Mark was picked to become a resident at Hartfel House in Menomonee Falls, WI. This would be his home for the next 42 years, and for most of that time, his house parents were Ray and Barbara Price. “Mark was one of the kindest people you ever knew,” recalls Barbara Price. “He was a prankster. He loved to laugh. He loved cartoons, especially Scooby Doo. He loved bowling. And he loved to ride his bicycle. Mark was a roller coaster guy, not a merry-go-round guy.” Mark’s life at Hartfel House was filled with friends (other residents) who enjoyed an active social calendar that included summer trips to Camp Pow Wow, where Mark was happiest in the water. There were trips to the zoo and the movies, card games, Packers watch parties, and volunteer work. Mark also worked for a time as a lobby attendant at McDonald’s. He would spend most holidays with his Dad and stepmother, Harriet, who lived in Wisconsin. His mother, Gloria, and stepfather, Richard, moved away to Virginia and eventually to Arkansas. They would visit yearly and communicate by phone calls and postcards, which he loved. When his grandma Strauss was alive, she would accompany him on airplane trips when visiting his mom, stepdad, and half-sister and brother, Penny and Rick. His oldest Brother, Billy (Will Durst), would visit him as often as he could. He is a Political Satirist, and when he had a gig nearby, he would always make time for Marky, often taking him out for his birthday. In their earlier years, Marky, Will, and his dad would go to the pool halls, the place where Marky learned to be such a good pool player. Mark was a happy and playful guy. “The more you interacted with Mark, the more he would try to interact with you,” says Barbara. “He communicated more through attitude, gestures, and facial expression.” Mark’s sister Penelope (Penny) describes him as a teddy bear. Marky was a large person… nearly six feet tall and 220 pounds. But he was a ham. He would give you bunny ears if someone were taking a photo. He loved to tease you. He would make a circle with his finger to indicate you were crazy. He loved to tease and joke with Penny’s husband, Dr. Carey Roach. They became close in later years. Many members of Mark’s family visited Wisconsin on his 60th birthday for a “Party at the park with Mark.” Barbara explains why: “60 has always been a milestone, something to celebrate truly. A lot of developmentally disabled people don’t reach the age of 60. At least that was our experience. So, we throw a big party for those who do.” When health issues forced the Prices into retirement in 2022, Mark needed a new place to live. Despite spending his entire life in Wisconsin, it was determined that the best place for him would be near family in Arkansas. His parents (both sets) and many relatives who had been close to him had died. Not only were his sister Penelope Roach, her husband Dr. Carey Roach III, and their children (Christopher, Victoria, and William) in Arkansas, but so were Mark’s younger brother, Dr. Rick Perkins, his wife Dr. Lalita Perkins, and their children (Connor and Claire). “I’m so thrilled that he’s got to spend time in Arkansas with family towards the end,” says Barbara. “His nieces and nephews became more than just the pictures he carried in his wallet. And he showed off those pictures all the time. I’m not supposed to say so, but Mark was probably one of my eight favorites…maybe even higher than that.” “Marky was a flirt,” says Penelope. “He loved to wink at people. He had an innocence and childlike faith. He had an easy disposition. Everyone loved him. He was always waving. Marky was generally a happy person. He was always happy to see family.” Mark was preceded in death by his parents, William Duerst and Gloria Perkins, and their subsequent spouses (stepparents), Harriet Duerst and Richard Perkins. In addition to the previously mentioned family, Mark is survived by his older brother Billy, William (Will) Durst of San Francisco, and his wife, Debi. Also left to grieve Mark’s loss are his house parents, Ray and Barbara Price, as well as a few aunts and uncles and a host of other nieces and nephews. Written by Jason Pederson. Edited by Penelope Roach. A celebration of Mark’s life will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Jul 25, at the Harris Chapel.

Mark Steven Duerst

July 31, 1954 - June 9, 2026