Ernest W. Duerig

Ernest W. Duerig, 88, of Skokie, Illinois passed away Sunday, January 9, 2022.
Ernie (as he was known) was born November 18, 1933 in Meissen, Germany to Else (née Zänker) and Fritz Dürig. He grew up the big brother to Manfred (Irmgard) Duerig, Eva Issense, Eberhard Duerig, Irmgard (Ulrich) Rupnow, Rosemary Dürig and Lothar Dürig. He loved his siblings with all his heart. In 1957, he left his home to come to the United States.
On May 25, 1959 he married Magdalena (née Lachmann), upon her arrival from Germany. They settled in Skokie where they raised their two sons Eric (Joan) Duerig and Roy Duerig. He was a dedicated father and loved taking his family on weekend adventures. Ernie had a long successful career as a tool and die maker. He earned the position of Superintendent of the Model Shop at S&C Electric. After a long career "Model Shop Ernie" retired in 2001.
Ernie loved tools, working with his hands, gardening, listening to music, fine food, wine and people. Ernie was always the life of the party and quick with a joke. He was proud of his German heritage, but even prouder of becoming an American citizen.
Ernie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Magdalena, his eldest son Eric, daughter-in law Joan, his grandchildren, Jenna & Julia Duerig, Nataline & Nicholas Duerig, great-grandson Leon Leer, two brothers, two sisters, a brother and sister in-law, many nieces and nephews and wonderful friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosemary, brother Lothar and his beloved son Roy.
Ernie will be remembered as a generous, fun-loving, hardworking and dedicated family man. He will be missed, but will live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved him. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Ernest Duerig to the Chicago Botanic Gardens (1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022~Attn: Tribute Gifts), where a bench will be dedicated in his memory later this year.