Robert DuWayne Lerdahl

MADISON - Robert DuWayne “Bob” Lerdahl, age 94, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, at Wickshire Assisted Living in Madison. He was born on Nov. 1, 1926, in Decorah, Iowa, the son of Milton and Sophie (Straka) Lerdahl. Bob married Frances Botkin on Jan. 14, 1953, in North Carolina. Bob enlisted in the United States Army in July 1946 and served until August 1949. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in August 1949 and has served on continuous active duty from that date until his retirement. He has served in the following overseas areas: Panama from May 1947 until July 1948, Germany from July 1948 until July 1951, France from June 1952 until July 1952 and from January 1959 until January 1962. During his military service, Senior Master Sergeant Lerdahl has received the following Decorations and Awards: Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Clasp and 5 Loops, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Berlin Airlift Device, Medal for Humane Action, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Bronze Oak-leaf Clusters, USAF NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon. Following his service, he worked for Allis Chalmers for 20 years, retiring in 1987. He then worked for Hertz Rent A Car from 1988-2014. Bob enjoyed snowmobiling and camping with friends. He worked on small machines, such as lawn mowers and dehumidifiers and also tractors and combines. Bob was known for being able to fix anything and everything. Bob is survived by his wife, Fran; son, Don (Mary) Lerdahl; daughter, Deb (Doug) Cummings; granddaughter, Amber Lerdahl; and grandson, Blake Lerdahl. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Frank, Vince, and Milton; and five sisters, Violet, Agnes, Mary Alice, Pearl, and Phyllis. A funeral service will be held at MONONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 606 Nichols Road, Monona, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and St. Croix Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East 5203 Monona Dr. Madison, Wisconsin (608) 221-5402