Kathy De Tuerk (2001-2002)
Kathy & Al De Tuerk
Kathryn "Kathy" De Tuerk, was born in Washington D.C. on September 10, 1943. Her father was an ensign in the United States Navy insuring this young family was destined to travel. Before the age of 12, Kathy lived in Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. This wanderlust encouraged an early interest in stamp collecting and dreaming of their exotic origins. As the oldest of 3 sisters and one brother, she loved telling stories of these places, even though they were merely fantasizing.
After graduating from Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill Pennsylvania, she accepted a position with the Philadelphia Archdiocese as a fourth-grade school teacher. For the four years she taught at St. Rose of Lima School in North Wales Pennsylvania. Kathy attended Gwynedd Mercy College and St. Joseph University both in the Philadelphia area.
On February 29, 1964, Kathy married Al De Tuerk, a young Aeronautical Engineering student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. The De Tuerk's had 2 daughters and one son before they celebrated their first wedding anniversary. They were now living in Annapolis Maryland.
Besides children, one of her hobbies was raising and showing miniature Daschunds. She worked part time as a veterinarian technician and attended the University of Maryland pre-vet classes.
At some point during her busy life in Annapolis, she began playing "Bridge" and one of her friends introduced her to Historic Annapolis, a non- profit organization involved in the preservation and restoration of this city. Once again, she ventured into a new vocation. She gave walking tours of Historic Annapolis to visiting dignitaries. Some of the tours were to travel agents that came from other parts of the country to see this city.
Al De Tuerk, accepted a job with Western Gear Corporation in 1975, and moved his family to the Pacific Northwest. At age 32, Kathy entered a glamour industry as a travel agent for the Everett Travel Bureau. One of her clients at ETB was Mr. Jim Cunningham, her Rotary Sponsor. Several years later she opened Sunrise Travel Center, with her partner, a Rotarian and attorney from Tacoma WA.
She was admitted to the Rotary Club of Everett WA. in 1987 with the classification of Travel Agency. She has had wonderful experiences doing make-ups, especially in countries that did not have women members. She has served her club as chair of the Information Committee, Program Committee, Club Bulletin Committee, Student Exchange Committee, Special Projects Committee, Fellowship Committee and Avenue of International Service Chairman. She has hosted 5 exchange students and was chairman of the Everett Rotary Youth Foundation Board of Trustees.
After service as a club director, Kathy served as President of her club during 1995-96. Her attendance at the District Conference in Penticton BC created her interest in Rotary activities outside her club. She became involved and chaired the Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee for 3 years. Kathy served as District Governor's Representative for Past District Governor Hardy Staub and was the District Conference Chairman for Past District Governor JB Switzer.
Kathy served as Governor to District 5050 during the 2001-2002 Rotary Year. She prides herself as a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and as a member of the Bequest Society.
Kathy has retired from the travel business and is living in Oak Harbor. In 2011, she served as President of the Oak Harbor Rotary Club. Her hobbies include walking the beach with her 2 miniature Dachshunds, Rotary, cooking and entertaining her family and 9 grand-children.
