Arthur Duerr, 85, of Merrill, passed into the arms of Jesus on Nov. 21, 2013 at Bell Tower Residence as a result of Parkinson’s Disease.
Arthur was born June 30, 1928 in Athens, son of the late Arnold and Eleanor (Strege) Duerr.
In 1948, he married Gertrude and together they raised five children: Mark (Kathleen), Almond, WI, Jerre (Gloria), Oxford, WI, Rochelle (John Windorski), Thomas, (Ann), Merrill, and Dawn (Dave Meise).
After managing several meat markets, he changed his profession and sold Life Insurance for Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL) in the Lake Mills, WI territory and later in Wausau. He completed 28 years of service for AAL and received National Sales Achievement Award, National Quality Achievement Award and Fraternal Quality Service Award. He was in the Top 10 for Wisconsin Fraternal Life Underwriters of AAL and was chosen “Man of The Year” by Wisconsin Association of Life Underwriters (WALU) in 1985. He attended 45 Conference Honors and in 1988 he received the “Distinguished Service Award” from WALU.
All his life he was very active in his church. He served on many boards in St. Paul, Lake Mills, and then at Christ Lutheran in Merrill. While in Merrill, he was a member of the Church Council, and as President and Charter Member, played an intregal part in the planning and building of a Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELS) in Merrill.
He was also known for his one-liner jokes.
A Christian Funeral for Arthur will be held at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1204 N. Sales St., Merrill at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, with visitation starting at 9 a.m. The Rev. James Weiland will officiate.
He has 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Art is preceded in death by his wife, Gert, his parents and one grandchild, Olivia Sue Peterson.
Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com.