Louie A. Durrer

April 29, 1946 - January 4, 2024

Modesto, California - Louis Arnold Durrer Jr. (77) passed away peacefully at home on January 4, 2024. Born April 29, 1946 to Louis Sr. and Marguerite in Modesto, CA. Louie was born into a hard-working dairy family and his childhood was centered around hard work. His parents started their family dairy on Jennings Road before moving to Westley, and finally settling in west Modesto.

In Louie's younger years he participated in Schwingfest's throughout the West coast. He graduated from Modesto High School in 1964 and then attended Modesto Junior College. After junior college he attended Chico State before deciding to work at Mt. Rose Ski Resort, Incline Village. In 1971 he earned a B.S. degree in Dairy Science from Fresno State, and took a position at Federal Intermediate Credit Bank in Berkley, Ca. Soon after he joined the family partnership. Louie met his future wife, Lisa Colzani, while attending Fresno State, and they married in 1973.

Louie spent over 60 years as a dairyman, and during that time he served on many boards and associations including: Western United Dairyman; San Joaquin Valley Dairyman; and oversaw the merger of California Dairies Inc. After leaving the dairy business in 2007, he joined the sales team at TDR for a short period before ending his career as the general manager at Westside Hulling Association in Westley, CA and was incredibly proud of his ability to pivot later in life. In 2022, Louie retired to focus his attention on his health, family, and newly planted cherry orchard.

Louie was a devoted Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Mentor. He enjoyed supporting the community by serving as a tee-ball coach for Hart-Ransom, dairy leader for Wood Colony 4-H, and president of the San Joaquin Valley Swiss Club. He had a passion for supporting the youth in the community and teaching leadership skills.

Louie was a devoted Catholic and a proud member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. He loved spending time with his family, going on trips with his wife Lisa, discussing the sports line, being the first to share local breaking events, and frequenting his beloved barn. In March 2023 Louie and his wife Lisa celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

He is survived by his wife Lisa, sons Erik (Erika) and John (Chantel); grandchildren Neil, Louis, Sophie and Sienna. Also, he survived by his twin brother Leo (Cheryle) many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Louie was preceded in death by his brother Joseph, and parents Louie and Marguerite Durrer.

On January 18th 2024 at Franklin & Downs Funeral Home located 1050 McHenry Ave. Modesto, CA a visitation will begin at 4:00 PM followed by a Recitation of the Rosary at 5:30 PM. On January 19th 2024 a Funeral Mass will be held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church located 709 J St. Modesto, CA beginning at 10:00 AM. Immediately after there will be a celebration located at San Joaquin Valley Swiss Club located 110 N. Manley Rd. Ripon, CA.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Community Hospice 4368 Spyres Way. Modesto, CA and St. Stanislaus School 1416 Maze Blvd. Modesto, CA.

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

Published by Modesto Bee on Jan. 14, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Louie Durrer

6 Entries

Rick Wilson

January 31, 2024

Though I didn't know Louie personally, I was his parent's Farm Bureau insurance agent for many years. I remember how proud they were when they built their new home on the family dairy west of Modesto. Condolences to the entire family.

Jessie Ixta

January 20, 2024

I first met Mr. Durrer when he first contacted me at the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority wanting an access permit for Westside Hulling to store almonds along the Westley Wasteway property located across the street from his facility at Frank Cox Road. Louie, would call me every Spring and with that deep voice say "Well, it's that time again". Even though I did not know him personally, I could tell that he was a genuinely nice person. Always asking me what he needed to do to in order to get the job done.
RIP Mr. Durrer.

Grant & Holly Smith

January 15, 2024

So sorry to hear about Louie. I knew of his health problems and am so sorry for his passing. We had a charity fundraiser at the barn for many years and Louie, Leo, and all of the people who hang out there were always so helpful and supportive. Wonderful people. The camaraderie and spirit there is so unique and special, for the events, football, and everything happening around there, due especially to the Durrer´s and all the"Westsiders". Louie was the epitome of that. Love the guy and will miss him dearly. RIP Big Guy!!

Grant Smith

Robert Martin

January 14, 2024

My sincere condolences to Lisa, Leo and the entire Durrer family. Louie was one of those "Larger than Life" kind of guys. We will miss him at the Monday nite football gatherings and all the good times that the Durrers have provided the community at the barn. God bless and R.I.P. my friend.

Bob Anderson

January 14, 2024

Louie was a great guy, fun to be around. My sincerest condolences to Lisa, and all the Durrer family. RIP Louie, you will be missed.

Jim Brughelli

January 13, 2024

My most sincere condolences to the Durrer family. Louie's passing is a loss to us all.

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