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ROBERT WERNER DUEMLING

About

Yale University

ROBERT DUEMLING Obituary

DUEMLING, ROBERT WERNER February 29,1929 - July 13, 2012 Bob was the son of Dr. Werner W. Duemling and Anne Lindemulder Duemling. He spent his youth in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and San Diego, CA. He graduated from San Diego High School and received bachelor and masters degrees in Art and Architecture from Yale University. He was awarded a Henry Fellowship for study at Cambridge University in England. He served as a naval officer during the Korean War, and in 1957 entered the U.S. Foreign Service. Following posts in Malaysia, Japan, Italy, and Canada, he served as U.S. Ambassador to Suriname from 1982 to 1984. Bob retired from the Foreign Service in 1987 to accept the position of President and Director of the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., a post he held for six and one-half years. Bob has had a long relationship with Washington College in Chesterton, Maryland. From 2000 to 2004 the College invited him to teach a survey course on the History of American Architecture. In 2011 wrote a book titled "Sketches from Life" which he lived to see successfully published. Bob is survived by his devoted wife of thirty years, Louisa DuPont Copeland, three stepchildren, two Sisters Eleanor Duemling and Elizabeth Haedrich and seven nieces and nephews . A Memorial Service will be held in September in Washington, D.C. In lieu of flowers,charitable contributions may be made to The National Building Museum. Go.nbm.org/tribute.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Jul. 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT DUEMLING

17 Entries

Elizabeth Hobbs

July 10, 2020

My husband and I were in Suriname, South America when Bob arrived as the Ambassador representing the United States. We became friends and saw alot of him, admiring his skills that were so needed in this small country--the former Dutch Guyana in South America. My husband was at the time the head of the largest company in the country a company that belonged to ALCOA in Pittsburgh, PA. We were delighted when he became engaged and then married Louisa. We were delighted when she arrived with Bob as his wife in the 1980's. It was a very special time in our lives to share time with Bob and Louisa. We speak of Bob often and wish to share our condolences once again to Louisa. Our time in Suriname was special due in large part, to the presence of Louisa and Bob.
Elizabeth and Worth Hobbs

Diana Martin Read

July 10, 2020

This is very odd. I was just thinking of Mr. Duemling the other day. I did not know him well, of course, as I only came in contact with him on the Malaysia/Singapore desk. He was very much the gentleman. One day he was talking on the telephone, evidently to a friend, about the dinner party he'd attended at the friend's house the night before. As Mr. Duemling had left his office door open, I couldn't avoid overhearing. At one point he asked, "Who was that delightful girl?" That stuck in my memory and to this day I wonder who she was.

September 2, 2012

Louisa: Our prayers are continuing to be with you and your family. We dearly loved your Bob and would like to know when the Sept. service will be held and where. Elizabeth and Worth Hobbs email: [email protected]

Anne Marie Gettys

July 28, 2012

Robert was my husbands' uncle, and he was a very warm, gentle, humorous man to be
around.My family would like to extend their sympathy to Louisa and our love.
We would also like to send our condolences to all of his family members and friends. He dedicated his life to creating beauty and peace.
With our love to all,
Jim, Anne Marie, Tim and Greg Gettys

July 28, 2012

Robert Duemling was my husbands' uncle and he was a very kind, gentle, warm, and humorous man to be around. My family wishes to offer Louisa our love and sympathy in losing him. Our condolences go out to all of his family and friends.
Jim, Anne Marie, Tim, and Greg Gettys

Stephen Waterman

July 26, 2012

Bob was a high school classmate of my mother, Jerry Williamson, and a college classmate of my father, Duncan Waterman. He and Louisa always made a point of visiting with my mother and stepfather, Tom Williamson, when in San Diego. Bob and I sometimes played tennis together on his visits. He was a wonderful person who lead a fascinating life and I am reading his recently penned brief memoirs now. He will be much missed.

Nancy Reed Gibson

July 22, 2012

Bob was A.S.B. President at San Diego High School and Editor of the school newspaper(the Russ). Graduating in 1946 with a scholarshio to Yale University and--on to an impressive career. May his friends and famlies loss be comforted with loving memories of a special person and of a life well lived.

Greg Friedman

July 22, 2012

I am Bob's nephew and I always treasured his visits! We shared the love of tennis and for many years when he visited he and I would go play, and the stories he would tell! He has always been "bigger than life" in his exploits, travels, and accomplishments and he made the world a better place. There is so much more to say...
He will be greatly missed...and my heart goes out to Louisa.

dene garbow

July 20, 2012

Bob was a wonderful and supportive leader of the National Building Museum. He brought the institution up to a professional level and encouraged the highest standards of scholarship.
My sympathy to Louisa and family.
Dene Garbow

A. J. Pietrantone

July 19, 2012

One of the most generous and honorable persons for whom I ever worked. He taught me much and created numerous opportunities for all of us on the staff of the National Building Museum. His example has had a lasting impact on my professional life, and our time together endeared many fond memories.

D. Read

July 18, 2012

I was a secretary on the Malaysia-Singapore Desk when Mr. Duemling was the Economics Officer. I told him how to spell "brouhaha" when he rushed out of his office one day to look up the word in the dictionary. I remember when he received a call that Jim Thompson, a well known company owner in Malaysia, was missing. The people from those countries who visited Mr. D. pronounced his name "Doom-A-Ling." My sympathies to Mr. Duemling's family.

barbara miller

July 18, 2012

Sincere sympathy.
A long time member od MtCuba Docents.

Will & Francine du Pont

July 17, 2012

Our sympathies, Louisa and family.

July 17, 2012

May the LORD comfort you and bring peace to your hearts in this time of loss.
He is healing the brokenhearted ones, and is binding up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

JIM HOLWAY

July 17, 2012

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I WAS HIS ROOM MATE ON 29TH STREET, 57-58. HE WAS A GOOD MAN. WOULD APPRECIATE INFO RE MEMORIAL [email protected]

John Gow

July 17, 2012

Many years ago Bob and I paddled a wilderness river in the Canadian Arctic together. He was amongst the finest bowmen ever, which he ascribed to his Navy traing. He was great company and a most considerate tent mate. I was very sorry to learn of his passing.

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