Frederick D. Duerst
May 15, 1936 - June 30, 2016
Obituary
MADISON/MONONA-Frederick D. Duerst, age 80, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Oak Park Place, surrounded by family. He was born on May 15, 1936, in Madison, the son of Frederick and Violet (Olson) Duerst. He married Irene Santos on May 15, 1954. Fred enjoyed many different hobbies throughout the years. He worked at Dairy Equipment as a general foreman. Fred and Irene ran a CBRF out of their home. He is survived by his children, Marcy (Mike) Natter, Terry (Monique) Duerst, Randy (Nancy) Duerst, Bob (Dawn) Duerst, Vern (Sharon) Duerst and Cathy (Roger) Mathews; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; special friend, Gert; brother, Jerry (Doddy) Duerst; sister, Debbie (George) Parks; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Irene; and twin sister, Fran Phalen. A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Friday, July 8, 2016. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Gathering
Fri Jul 8, 2016 @ 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
NW
Nancy Wernecke
Other •
Fred was a man of true kindness. He never knew what to expect from me but that burst of laughter was always a gift that I will treasure. I hope his family finds comfort in that he no longer has to struggle. Rest in peace my friend,
MP
Mary Ann Phalen
Other •
My Uncle Freddy was a joy to be with. We shared several poignant moments in each other's lives-the end of his wife Irene's life, his father's death, mother's death (my grandparents) and the unexpected death of his twin sister (my mother). His willingness to form new friendships, square dance as long as he was able, travel to Ireland, and remain engaged with life with humor, offered an example of resilience. He was a comfort and hands-on help to me as I handled my mother's affairs. He let me interview him in 2005 for StoryCorps only if I let him treat me to a funnel cake at IHOP afterwards. When I returned to Madison as a college student he found a companion mourning dove for the one I still cared for since I was a child. He taught me how to use his tools and sanding equipment at his home in Monona, when I bought 2 old school desks to refinish for my nieces. He loved flowers (especially begonias), birds (finches and doves), and cultivated both. He joined in celebrating my college graduation, wedding, and most recently birth of my son, now almost 6. It has been a privilege for our son to get to know Great Uncle Freddy. I appreciated his many calls over the past several years, keeping me up-to-date on his health, checking in on us, and sharing the activities of other loved ones. He will always be remembered for his laughter, ease with which he could relate to people, humility, and willingness to help.
Thank you Marcy for taking such consistently excellent care of your father, maintaining his health for many more years despite his several setbacks. Blessed are the caregivers...
MP
Mary Ann Phalen
Other •
Shared a photo.
MP
Mary Ann Phalen
Other •
Shared a photo.
MP
Mary Ann Phalen
Other •
Shared a photo.
D
Deb
Other •
Fred captured my heart immediately from my first opportunity to work with him to achieve his goal to go back home. His determination, complete and utter stubbornness, sense of humor, and love of his close family reinforced to me the key to a successful life. He exemplified what it takes to draw from the power within oneself to obtain the unobtainable ( his success over polio, and other medical challenges that tried to defeat his strong mental force). I will forever remember his smile, sarcastic sense of humor and his belief in right and wrong. Thank you for sharing him with me. I grieve in your loss. He was a good friend