This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Kowalski, Durkin Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/hBU.2ACEB/367 Message Board Post: NOTE-I am not related to this family Loveland Reporter Herald (Loveland, Larimer, Colorado) Sunday July 17, 2005 page D-3 Durkin (picture) John T. Durkin 85, of Fort Collins, formerly of Loveland, died July 13, 2005, at The Life Center at Columbine Care Center West in Fort Collins. He was born May 26, 1920, in Chicago, Ill., the oldest of four children of Annette and Thomas Durkin. He married Rosalie Kowalski on July 9, 1941, in Chicago. Their union lasted 63 years until her death on Jan. 27, 2005. He was employed at United States Steel South Works for 36 years before retiring to Fort Collins in 1975. They were active members of St. Joseph’s Parish in Fort Collins, where Mr. Durkin served as an usher and Eucharistic minister. He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Durkin served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II with Company K 30th Infantry of the Third Division. He was a Ranger and squad leader who saw combat in the European and North African theaters. He was a survivor of the landing at Anzio Beachhead. He was decorated with the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Silver Star. He never forgot his comrades in arms and participated in annual reunions of the Third Infantry Division. After “official” retirement, John worked at Hewlett-Packard in Fort Collins as a “coffee man.” He made many friends, especially the “Dungeon Dolls,” who enjoyed his jokes and St. Patrick’s Day regalia. He always delivered a smile with the coffee and doughnuts. After St. Patrick’s Day, his favorite holiday was the Fourth of July, when he entertained his extended family and neighbors with a personal fireworks show. He was devoted to his country, his family and his faith. He is survived by his son, John A. Durkin and wife Patty of Shady Shores, Texas; his daughter, Susanne Durkin-Schindler and husband R. Lee Schindler of Fort Collins; a sister, Sylvia Barus of Palos Park, Ill.; a brother, Thomas Durkin of Homewood, Ill.; three granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 6 p.m. Tuesday at Allnutt Drake Chapel, 650 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins. A recitation of the rosary will follow at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Blessed John XXIII Catholic Church, 1220 University Ave., Fort Collins. The Rev. Don Willette will officiate. Burial will occur later Wednesday at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. Memorial contributions can be made to Loveland Good Samaritan or Hospice of Larimer County.