William J. Duehr, Jr.
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William J. Duehr, Jr., age 84, of Dubuque, left his earthly home, peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, June 20, at the home of his daughter. To honor Bill’s life, a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Bill was born on July 29, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of William J. Duehr Sr. and Isabelle M. (Schmitz) Duehr.
Bill attended Sacred Heart school through eighth grade and then Dubuque Senior High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1957, at the age of 17, and served for two years. He worked at John Deere Dubuque Works for 41 years to provide for his large family. While employed there he had various jobs including the foundry and most recently was a tool grinder. Nobody could do that job as well as him! He retired on August 1, 2001.
Bill cherished and leaves behind seven children, including four daughters, Lorlee (Javier) Servin, Tina (Ron) Tallman, and Lisa, all of Dubuque, and Tracy (Michael) Eskridge of Gerlaw, Illinois; three sons, Scott, David and Nick, all of Dubuque; 16 grandchildren, Randy, Talia, Nico, Keera (Josh), Rainy, Carissa, Autumn, Ruby, Naomi, Damon, Sage, Sunshine, Anthony (Hannah), Brice, Christian and Khloe; four great-grandchildren, Ella, Ivy, Isla and Nova. His grandchildren would all say he was the coolest grandpa. Surviving siblings include Kay (Wayne) Weiland, Carol (Don) Strumberger, Mary Lou “Peachy” (Charlie) Pfeiffer all of Dubuque, Barb (Bob) Henry, of East Dubuque, Illinois, and Robert (Renee Edminster) Duehr of Dubuque; Sister-in-law Judy Duehr of Green Valley, Arizona; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Gerald, a son Randy, and a grandson Tony Murphy.
Bill was the perfect example of unconditional love. He was devoted to his family, humble, selfless, wise and generous beyond words. Material things were not important to him. He was a Godly man and lived each day looking for ways to bless others. Even during his last days with us, he was more concerned with the feelings of others than with his own pain. Words cannot express how much his presence will be missed, and the Sunday dinners at his house where he loved to say, “Every day’s a holiday, every meal’s a feast!” I think we would all agree that he made the best fudge ever. Our world will be forever changed, but he is now rejoicing in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bill’s family would like to sincerely thank Diane L., Michelle and Ryan with Hospice of Dubuque for their care and compassion during this difficult time.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com
To honor William’s life, a private family service is being held.
To the Duehr family. Condolences for the loss of your father. Prayers of peace and comfort to you all.
Allison and Michael Lott
Ron, Tina….I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Bill. May he rest in peace in the loving arms of the Lord.
“Bill worked with my late husband, Joe, at John Deere. My husband loved to tell jokes and I can still hear Bill saying ‘Oh my.’ after one of Joe’s particularly silly ones! I rejoice with Bill because he is home with his Heavenly Father! But I grieve with his family because life will never be the same. There will always be an empty space where he should be but I can tell you the pain does lose its sharpness; the grief does calm down and the tears eventually allow smiles. My best advice, after going through this with my parents and my husband, is to let yourself grieve, in whatever way and for however long. It’s all part of the process. I saw a saying after Joe passed that stated “The deeper the love-the greater the grief!” And I think that says it all.”