Thomas "Tom" Duerr

On Monday August 9th, 2021 Thomas Roger Duerr, "The Last of the Wild Ones", passed away peacefully with his daughter De Anna by his side, after a short battle with cancer. Tom was born March 28th, 1932 to Charles and Hazel (Johnson) Duerr in Utley, Wisconsin. He was the 5th of 11 children. Tom had a difficult childhood. At the age of 10, he and his siblings were placed into foster homes. In his teens, Ovila and Hunts Ringhand opened their home to him and became his family. Tom served in the United States Army from November 30th, 1950 until May 14th, 1954. He was stationed in Korea for 18 months with the Infantry 24th Division. He received several accommodations for his service. In May of 2014, Tom was able to join the Honor Flight to the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. On March 10th, 1956, he was united in marriage to Beatrice Spielvogel. Together they had five daughters. Tom made a career of being a long-haul truck driver. In retirement he drove school bus. Tom enjoyed deer hunting and spending time on the Thom farm. Almost every Sunday was spent gathering with his children and grandchildren for dinner and lots of laughs. He was a social butterfly. He was known and loved by every bar and bartender. One of his favorite places to be was Jorgies in Borth for sign-in. He is survived by his daughters, Dawn (Chris) Bludau, De Anna Lueptow, Laurie Duerr, and Brenda (James) Dittmer, daughter of the heart Tammi Gaab, grandchildren Jason (Chelsea) Lamoreaux, Shanna Deffibaugh, Amber (Joe) Rozek, Jamie Lamoreaux, Sarah (Jared) Schuster, Alexandria (Ross) Johnson, Thomas (Kelsea) Paez, Zachary Dittmer, Chloe Dittmer, and Caleb Dittmer, Kelsey (Martin) Trochinski, Brady (Rochelle) Gaab, 15 great grandchildren with one on the way, and 4 great-great grandchildren. He is further survived by his foster sister, Barb Steffes, son-in-law Javier Dimas, and very special friends the Thom family. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, his wife Beatrice, daughter Debra Dimas, sons-in-law Timothy Lueptow and Scott Gaab, and great grandchild Kyler Paez. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Sunday, August 15, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Wiecki- Skipchak Funeral Home of Berlin and also from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 16, 2021 at Grace English Lutheran Church of Berlin. A funeral service will be held following visitation at the church officiated by Pastor Rebekah Tarras. Inurnment with Full Military Honors provided by the Berlin VFW Wells-Krause Post #2925 will be held at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery.

Thomas "Tom" Duerr

March 28, 1932 - August 9, 2021