Robert William Duerr, age 72, passed away on September 18, 2023, in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He had undergone bypass surgery and recovery was going well, however, there were sudden setbacks that arose and Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep due to heart failure.

Bob was born to Edith and Charles Duerr in Chicago, Illinois on January 20, 1951.

Bob graduated from Thornton Township High School in 1969 and went on to attend community college for science classes. He became a lab technician in Research & Development and Quality Control. During his employment in Research & Development at Borden Chemical in Cicero, Illinois, he was part of a team that developed an adhesive used by the Airline Industry and due to his contributions, he was credited on the patent that was awarded to Borden Chemical. Bob then moved on to work at Consolidated Thermal Plastics in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, where he helped develop a plastic film that would break down in landfills. He also worked at Turbine Technologies in Chetek, Wisconsin, where he aided with testing machines for use by Universities in Aeronautics & Water Filtration.

Bob was an avid deer and turkey hunter, enjoying using both guns and bows. He loved to cook and worked for a short time under the head chef in the buffet room at the Turtle Lake Casino. His enthusiasm for cooking evolved from just his own kitchen to doing pig roasts for graduations, weddings, reunions, and corporate events. Bob then teamed up with his friend, John Braunreiter, and together they expanded the scope of the grilling menu, forming "The Rotisserie Masters" and then "The Chicken Guys". Bob's family often vacationed in Chetek, and when he moved here in 1980, he quickly became involved in the community. He was a member of many clubs, them being the NorthWest Trail Finders (4Wheel Drive Club), Rod & Gun Club in Rice Lake, and Chetek ATV Cruisers. He was also a Cub Scout Co-Den Leader. Bob joined the Chetek Fire Department in 1986 and worked as a firefighter, first responder, truck captain, had hazmat training to respond to chemical spills, and was Assistant Chief for 7 years under Fire Chief Dennis Wood. He retired in 2011. He will be greatly missed by many.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Charles Duerr, and brothers, Charles, Edward, and Fred.

Bob is survived by, his wife, Kathy Duerr, daughter, Darlene Baumann, grandchildren, Korin (Rachel) Baumann, Kaylynn Baumann, and Justin (Michaela) Latham, great-grandchildren, Eli and Alex, and brother, William Robert (Catherine) Duerr, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Chetek Lutheran Church on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held prior, beginning at 9:00 AM. The family invites those attending to a light lunch at their house following the service.

Last Update: Sep 22, 2023 12:19 pm CDT