Duane Gerken

Raised in Iowa in the Independence and Dyersville "Field of Dreams" area, Duane's family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where his father started a successful real estate firm. After graduation from high school, Duane served in the U.S. Navy Seabees and upon returning from Vietnam, he and his wife Kay moved to the Branson Tri-Lakes area. With a construction background, Duane started developing subdivisions and established Gerken & Associates, Realtor® in 1975 with his wife Kay.

Over the last 37 years, Duane has furthered his real estate knowledge by attaining the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) and Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). He has a diploma from the Missouri Auction School and serves as an Auctioneer Colonel for the firm's auctioneering division.

Duane served as the 1985 President of the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors and received the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors 1986 REALTOR of the Year Award. He served as the 1998 President of the Missouri Association of Realtors (MAR). He was honored to receive the MAR 2004 REALTOR of Year Award. At a Governor’s Conference on Economic Development, MAR was recognized for creating a relationship with Japan and the State of Missouri through the Missouri Department of Economic Development. This MAR program was initiated by Duane in 1998, during his MAR Presidency.

A contributing member to the Branson community, Duane has served on several committees for the Branson Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in forming the Chamber's Legislative Affairs Committee, served as its chair for several years and is still an active member of the committee. Duane has attended the "Breakfast with the Legislators" in Jefferson City sponsored by the Springfield and Branson Chambers.

He has served on the City of Branson’s Planning and Zoning, was Charter Treasurer for Christian Action Ministries (CAM) and Charter President of the Branson Tri-Lakes Lions Club. He currently serves as a Liberty Bank Board member and on the Board of Directors for the Ozark River Heritage Foundation, a public/private foundation promoting the conservation and public enjoyment of all that Table Rock Lake has to offer.

General Interests

Blessed with a mechanical ability—with old stuff anyway, I like tinkering on the farm and spending time with friends who share enthusiasm of hot rods and farm machinery. My shop at home is my castle and I enjoy working on a project and smoking a good cigar. Enjoy traveling and exploring great American cities as well as rest and relaxation in far away places. On Sundays you'll find me out at the cabin and in the summer cooling off in Table Rock Lake.

Music

Although a Bob Dylan and Rod Stewart fan foremost, I have an eclectic appreciation and collection of music, which includes everything from opera and Gregorian chant to Blue Grass and Da Yoopers. Kay, my wife of 42 years, and I have taken up ballroom dancing. It is an activity that we can enjoy together and have made many new friends who share the fun of dancing.

Movies

All of John Wayne's old movies, and Cecil B. de Mille classics. The best part of going to the movies is being with my best girl.

Books

Mostly non-fiction periodicals and a good murder mystery.