Duesler, Charles and Bernard Scholarship Fund

Donor Fund Story:

Charles J. Duesler was born on April 1, 1922 on a farm five miles west of Wolf Lake in Noble County, Indiana, the son of William H. and Flossie J. Duesler. He, along with brother Bernard, was reared in the vicinity of Albion and was a graduate of Albion High School in 1940. As a youngster, he was very active in 4-H Clubwork and excelled as a runner on the Albion High School Track Team. After being awarded a 4-H Scholarship Charles entered Purdue University in 1940 striving for a major in Agricultural Economics. At Purdue “Chuck” became captain of the Cross-Country team and also Editor-in-Chief of the Purdue Agriculturist, a monthly magazine. Charles was inducted into the Army on March 18, 1943, while serving as a Lieutenant, with the Third Armored Division in Central Europe, sustained battle injuries on March 3, 1945 and was awarded a Purple Heart. After serving in the Army he returned to Purdue University and graduated in February 1947.

Charles married Janet L. Rhea of near Kendallville on June 1st, 1947, daughter of Basil W. and Avah V. Rhea. There was one child, Nyla Jeanne. After working a year as Assistant County Agent at Ft. Wayne, Charles took a job as Farm Loan Appraiser with Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, working for about 20 year at Huntington, Indiana then 19 years at Ames, Iowa. He retired in 1987 as Vice President, Head of the Company’s Farm Loan Division.

After Janet’s death in May 1992, Charles moved to Goshen, Indiana. On September 18, 1993 he married Donnabelle Secrist who was reared at Cromwell, Indiana.

Early in life, Charles selected as his motto “Pursue With Vigor”. He credits much of his gain in life to the support of the Albion community during his formative years. He desires to repay in part, by providing an annual scholarship, in the name of his brother, Bernard, and himself, to a worthy graduate of Central Noble High School who will enroll in certain Schools of Purdue University.