We celebrate the gift of eternal life in the death of Gertrude L. (Duehring) Duerr, 85, of Merrill, who passed away Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, while in the care of Aspirus Hospice at Bell Tower.
She was born on May 23, 1927 in Friesland, WI. She was the youngest daughter of William and Frieda Duehring. After graduation from Randolph High School she was educated at Marcel School of Beauty Culture Milwaukee. She married Arthur W. Duerr on July 31, 1948. Together they raised 5 children.
She and her husband resided in Lake Mills from 1961 to 1979. While in Lake Mills she was very active in Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church and was employed at Patti’s Beauty Salon. In 1979 they moved to Merrill where she owned and operated Family Hair Affair from 1980 until her retirement in 1991. She enjoyed singing in the church choir from the age of 10 and also in the Community Chorus of Wausau. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church from its origin where she was involved in the choir, Sew-Sew circle, OWLS, and the Dorcas Society. After retirement she volunteered her time at Good Samaritan Hospital, Bell Tower and Dime & Dollar in Wausau. She loved the fellowship and friendship she found in her church family.
Survivors include her husband Arthur, Merrill; sons, Mark (Kathleen) Duerr, Almond, Jerre (Gloria) Duerr, Oxford, Tom (Ann) Duerr, Merrill; daughters, Rochelle (John) Windorski, Kronenwetter, Dawn (Dave) Meise, Loganville; grandchildren, Jason, Jeremy, Stephanie, Martha, Ian, Erik, Emily, Jessica, Seth, Nicolas, Alexandra, Jacob, Joshua, William and Rachel; 13 great-grandchildren; sister Doris Bartelt, Mesa, AZ; brother, Martin (Shirley) Duehring, Concord, CA; sister-in-law, Violet Kasper, Clintonville; brother-in-law, Harvey (Joan) Duerr, Milwaukee; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Frieda Duehring; a sister, Althea Sauer and her husband Rev. Theodore Sauer; her brother in law, Fritz Bartelt; brother-in-law, Lester Kasper; and infant granddaughter, Olivia Sue Peterson.
A funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 28, at Christ Lutheran Church, 1204 Sales St., Merrill, at 11 a.m. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. Jim Weiland officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to “Gifts for Growth” at Christ Lutheran Church or Northland Lutheran High School, Mosinee.
Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.