Search by Name

Search by Name

ROBERT DUEMLING Obituary


DUEMLING The Honorable ROBERT W. DUEMLING Died on July 13, 2012 of Leukemia. He was born on February 8, 1929; son of Dr. Werner W. Duemling and Anne Lindemulder Duemling. He spent his youth in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and San Diego, California. He attended Yale University earning a B.A. degree with honors in American Studies in 1950 and an M.A. in the history of art and architecture in 1953. For the academic year 1950-51 he was awarded a Henry Fellowship to study architecture and architectural history at St. John's College, Cambridge University, England. From 1953 to 1957 Duemling served as an Air Intelligence Officer in the U.S. navy. His responsibilities involved mission planning for a heavy-attach aircraft squadron, and he served aboard aircraft carries in the westen Pacific ocean and at a naval air station in Japan. He resigned from the Navy in 1957, having attained the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade. In the fall of 1957 Duemling entered the Foreign Service of the United States, commencing a career of thirty years. He specialized in political affairs in the Far East region, with assignments in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching (Borneo), Osaka and Tokyo, and as executive assistant to the head of the East Asia Bureau of the State Department. Other postings abroad included Rome (1960-63), Ottawa (deputy chief of mission 1976-80) and as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Suriname (1982-84). As a senior officer in the Department of State, Duemling served as Executive assistant to the Deputy Secretary of State (1974-76); as principal negotiator for assembling the foreign military components of the Sinai peace-keeping force (Multilateral Force and Observers, 1981-82); and as Director of the Nicaraguan Humanitarian Assistance Office (1985-87). Duemling retired from the Foreign Service in 1987 to accept the position of President and Director of the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, a post he held for six and one-half years. The museum was a fledging institution (opened in 1985) and the period of his tenure was devoted to defining and establishing the museum's mission to celebrate American achievements in all aspects of the built environment, and to complete restoration and renovation of the historic Pension Building to meet the physical requirements for museum operations. Duemling has had a long relationship with Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, having served as a Senior Fellow and as a member of the Board of Visitors and Governors (1991-96). Through the period 2000-2004, the College invited him to teach a survey course on the history of American architecture. In addition to professional activities, Duemling has been actively association with several civic and charitable organizations, including- in Washington, DC - the National Gallery of Art, the Washington National Monument Society, the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation, the national Trust For Historic Preservation and the Senior Living Foundation of the American Foreign Service. Based elsewhere, the Society of Architectural Historians, the Center for Palladian Studies in America, the American Friends of Canada and the Royal Society for the Arts (UK). Duemling's honors and awards include an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Washington College, Superior and Meritorious Awards from the Department of State, Honorable Order of the Palm of the Republic of Suriname and the National Service Award of the American Institute of Architects. Duemling is a member of the Metropolitan and Alibi Clubs in Washington, DC; the Century Association in New York City, and the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin (Washington chapter). In 1982 Robert Duemling married Louisa DuPont Copeland and they reside in Washington, DC and Worton, MD. Memorial Service will be held in September in Washington, DC.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Jul. 16 to Jul. 19, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT DUEMLING

Not sure what to say?





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.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in ROBERT DUEMLING's name

Memorial Events
for ROBERT DUEMLING

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support ROBERT's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor ROBERT DUEMLING's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more