George Durnford

We all enjoyed visiting with Dutch and my aunt Lylas over the years! He always had a smile and a story! We will miss him! Love Elona and Bill Thorson (Beloit) Dale and Chris Lutze, (Menomonee Falls) Karen and Bill Thorson (Beloit) families

Grandpa always made me feel special, happy, and important, with his warm, positive energy. Some of my best memories are: “Grandpa D Lifts” he greeted us with, nibbling his carrot sticks like a bunny to make us laugh, hours spent on Christmas Eves flipping through slides as we smiled at memories and giggled each time his favorite red sweater reappeared on the screen, showing his cut-glass pieces with appreciation for the smallest details, get-togethers at “The Land”, reminders of “what’s the most important word in driving?...Anticipation!”, and his wonderful laugh that often ended with a knee slap and an, “...aw shoot!” I admired how he could always see the good. I will miss him greatly, but will always remember the last conversation had with him on a family zoom call where he said sweetly, “I can’t see you, but I can see you in my mind.” And Grandpa, I will forever see you in my mind, until we meet again. Love you, Sunshine

Dutch was a fixture of my childhood as my Dad, Bob Bean, was also member of the social studies dept. at MGHS. It seems to me Dutch may even have had a hand in hiring my Dad. I remember his cheerful manner, tongue-in-cheek comments and the lengthy/deep conversations Dad enjoyed with him, through to nearly the present. They enjoyed watching the stock market together! He was a treasure and an example.

My favorite memory of Dutch, if I had to choose one, was his stories of flying combat missions in World War II, which fueled my love to get a studier of that war, thought it ended 13 years before my birth. As he was explaining his injuries to the class, he talked about the "handicap" he had (his arm that had nearly been severed by enemy fire). It was held on my just strands, tendons and such a d he said it wasn't good for much.....then he paused, got that wry smile and took off the brace. He then began to swirl it around in a circle and said, "but I could really mix up a batch out soup!" All the girls gasped and the guys loved it. I would have drove down from Oshkosh to attend his funeral. I'm glad I talked to him a few years back and expressed my gratitude for the impact he had on my life. Mike Braun, class of '77

I was blessed to have had Mr. Durnford as a teacher at MGHS. I wonder if heaven is prepared for this fine soul; if not “Katie, bar the door”. My condolences to Jayne and the family.