William Anton Dukstein

By Larry Mann

DIA career intelligence officer and colleague Mr. William (“Bill) Dukstein passed away on 18 March after battling ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease. Bill’s husband, Larry Mann, posted this note on Facebook, which we have reprinted here with his permission. 

“On the evening of 17 March, Bill and I watched “The Sound of Music”, reminiscing about our lives in Austria. About halfway through, Bill fell asleep. During the night, his breathing and heart-rate became slower and slower. I massaged his feet, held his hands, and kept him comfortable. By early this morning, he came to the end of his life. He left us completely peacefully. 

This is just how he wanted it. I believe everyone who knew Bill felt touched by his generosity and steady, kind heart; and how much good he accomplished in his 65 years. I’m hardly going to know what to do with myself now; Bill’s been the center of my attention for a long time.”