Arthur Joseph Duraski was born on December 25, 1936. Being born on Christmas day he always told his siblings he was the chosen one. Art, was the baby and had 11 older brothers and sisters. His father, Ben Duraski, worked for Samuel Shoe factory. His mother, Alma (Dittmann) passed away when he was 3 years old. His dad a few years later remarried Irene, who became his step-mother and added another brother and sister to his family. Art's, brothers and sisters have all passed away, he was the last of 14 children. We know he had a warm greeting when he arrived in heaven.

Art, attended Central High School in St. Louis, and received his bachelor degree from St. Louis University in accounting. Years later he was honored as an "Honorary Dean" at the University.  Art, was in the Navy Reserves for 6 years. His hobbies, were playing duplicate bridge, slot machines at the casinos, entertaining, traveling to visit family and friends and seeing the world with his sister Gloria, plus years of volunteering at the "Keizer-Senior Center in Oregon", and was their treasurer for a number of years. He became a "Grand Master" in bridge and one of his favorite games was against Omar Sharif.

Art, worked for Caterpillar most of his life and ended his career with Morton Salt as controller. He lived in Salem, Oregon for 40 years and moved back to St. Louis 5 years ago.
The past 5 years he in lived at "Parc Provence Memory Care". Special thanks to their staff, especially Cyndi, Patty and Abby for their love and compassion. Also, to the family members that visited him, he cherished the time together, and last but not least, to Barry Koenemann, his nephew by marriage, for all his love and care to help Art the past 5 years.

Art, was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, Godfather, and friend to so many.

Celebration of life, Saturday - November 16, 2024 at Sunset Country Club, 9555 S. Geyer Rd., St. Louis, Mo.63127, visitation from 930AM to 1100AM, service at 1100AM with lunch following. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Louis Zoo Tribute Fund, P. O Boz 790090, St. Louis, Mo. 63179, or Alzheimer's Association, 9370 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, Mo.63132.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home  osfuneralhomes.com