In the last hour of July 3, 2022, Richard Dale Duerr passed away peacefully.
Dick was born on March 13, 1932, to parents Arthur Frederick and Evelyn Lucille Duerr in Wymore, Nebraska. He attended the University of Nebraska where he played football, was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, and met the lovely Shirley Lou Hamilton. Dick was commissioned Second Lieutenant of the Artillery in the Army, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, married Shirley Lou, and reported to active duty at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, all between June 4, 1954 and July 4, 1954. While in the Army, he proudly served on several posts in the United States, Germany, Korea, and Vietnam.
After he was released from active duty in 1967, he worked for a short time as a stock broker, but his love of flying led him to the Minnesota National Guard, and he and Shirley eventually settled in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. He had a distinguished career in the National Guard as a flight instructor and battalion commander. He retired after nearly 31 years of service in 1984, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Dick was awarded many medals not limited to the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and 32 Air Medals, one of which was for valor.
Dick had a strong faith in the Lord and thanked Him every day for all of his many blessings. Dick had many interests. He was an avid fisherman and pheasant hunter, and he loved watching football while cheering on the Cornhuskers and Vikings. He spent countless hours devouring books on military history and he cherished his time spent with family and friends.
Dick lost Shirley in June of 1995, after a battle with lung cancer, but was blessed to have met Sherri Schroeder. Dick and Sherri were married on November 22, 1997, and would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this year. They had many wonderful adventures and made friends wherever they went. They lived in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota.
Dick was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Shirley; and infant son, Scott Allen. He was also preceded by his parents, Art and Evelyn; and his sisters, Marlene Williams and Karen Garland. He is survived by his wife, Sherri Schroeder Duerr; his four children, Richard Duerr (Ellen), David Duerr, Susan Heckman (Joel), and Nancy Hull (Darrin); his five grandchildren, Christopher Duerr, Eric Duerr, Briana Duerr Marvich, Connor Hull, and Lauren Hull; three great-grandchildren; two stepchildren, Lisa Nelson (Christopher) and Sheila Oberg (Michael); and three step-grandchildren, Elizabeth Nelson, Annika Nelson, and Olivia Oberg; and many extended family members and friends.
A funeral service celebrating the life of Dick and his reunion with our heavenly Father will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 18, at North Heights Lutheran Church, 2701 N. Rice Street, Roseville. Visitation at the church from 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., Monday, July 18. Interment will take place at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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