Bill died June 7, 2021 at Memorial Hospital ICU surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born in Queens, NY on December 2, 1940 to William and Alma Duerr, and raised on Long Island, NY where he spent many happy years. He left New York as a young adult to enter the US Army which brought him to Washington State where he met the love of his life, Carolyn…and never left. Bill was an engineer by vocation, spending the final 28 years of his career at Hanford.
Bill and Carolyn were married for over 55 years, making their home in Yakima where they raised their two children, Ron and Kristina, who were the joy of his world. Through them he became involved in soccer as their coach, and then went on to referee for 20 years after. He had great times with Ron participating in Y-Indian Guides and Boy Scouts, and Kristina in Y-Indian Princesses. For 20 years Bill volunteered with Operation Santa Claus playing Santa and delivering packages to thousands of children throughout the valley. In addition to these activities, Bill also enjoyed biking, skiing and socializing. In retirement he served his community participating in Yakima City Council meetings, Crime Stoppers, the Harmon Center, Neighborhood Watch, volunteering for AARP taxes, and something close to his heart, the annual veterans “Stand Down” of Yakima County. Most recently, Bill was honored with Rotary Club of Yakima’s “Unsung Hero” award for his years of selfless giving. He was so pleased to receive that special recognition.
Bill was a man who loved his Lord and Savior, his precious family, his country and his community. Those who lived in his neighborhood will greatly miss his presence and careful watching over them.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Carolyn, son Ron, daughter Kristina (Andre aka JR), his sister Joyce, sister-in-law Edie (Mike), nephews Rob, Ryan and Jordan, nieces Michelle and Kerri, and his very precious Sydney Susan – his great grand Labrador. Sydney Susan loved biscuits from her Grandpa II.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents William and Alma Duerr, his sister Diane (Bob), his nephew Eric and his unborn grandchild.
Special thanks to all who extended comfort to us at this difficult time of such loss with flowers, cards and food; the wonderful staff at Keith and Keith; and the doctors, nurses and staff at Memorial ICU for their care of Bill.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Yakima Valley Veterans Coalition, P.O. Box 1239, Yakima, WA. 98907.
