Richard Duerr, Jr., 95, of Burlington, passed away Friday, June 9, 2023 surrounded by his family in the home he built and loved.
Richard was born in Milwaukee on Oct. 14, 1927, to Richard and Helen Duerr Sr. His early life was spent in Milwaukee. He was an Infantry Unit Commander in the Army serving in Korea. He earned his Master’s Degree at UW Madison. On June 23, 1951 in Milwaukee, he was united in marriage to Delores Zagrodnik. Following marriage, they lived in Milwaukee until moving to Burlington in 1958. Delores preceded him in death on March 3, 2009.
Richard worked as a physical therapist for Burlington Memorial Hospital. He was the first physical therapist to practice in Burlington and was considered a pioneer by his colleagues. After graduating from UW-Madison in 1952, he went to work for Waukesha Memorial Hospital, and later, Milwaukee County Hospital. In 1958, he opened his own practice on Pine Street in Burlington, later moving to an office in the Professional Plaza Building. In those years, he contracted with Memorial Hospital of Burlington to provide therapy for inpatients and outpatients. When the hospital and the Burlington Clinic established Southern Lakes Therapeutics as a joint venture in 1987, he gave up his private practice and went to work for the new company.
Richard was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. He enjoyed golfing, stained glass and was a jack-of-all-trades. He was an avid fan of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sports activities. He was a humble man of great faith.
Richard is survived by his children, Sandy (Bob) Schmaling, Gail (Keith) Ritchie, Denise (Chris) Brandes and Leslie (Sergio) Gonzalez; grandchildren, Sarah (Keith) Ralph, Brian, Joe (Carli), Abbey, Sean, Raini (Blake) Helm, Rachel (Jeremy) Cook, Adam, Marcus, Sophia (Braden) and Ryan; and great-grandchildren, Hudson, Fielder and Kainen Ralph, Averie, Elli and Case Schmaling, Levin Helm, and Raelyn and Paxton Delgado. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother Jim and sister Delores.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or Special Olympics.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 16, 2023 at 3 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Burlington. A celebration of life will follow the service.
Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home is serving the family. Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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