Robert Samuel Doerr

ROBERT SAMUEL DOERR, 87 KIMBERLING CITY, Mo. - Robert Samuel Doerr, 87, of Kimberling City departed this life Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, in his home after a short battle with cancer. He was born May 3, 1922 in Granite City, Ill., to Earl and Ruth Doerr. Robert married Freda Cason on July 3, 1985, and they had made their home in Kimberling City for the past 111/2 years, coming from Seven Lakes, N.C. He was a World War II Navy veteran, serving on the USS LST 380 from 1942 through 1946 when he was honorably discharged with many commendations and service awards. He worked most of his young adulthood for Okeefe Distributors in Benton, Ill., eventually moving to Rockford, Ill., in 1964. He worked for Fairway Ford, Archway Cookies, and later joined Safety Kleen Corp., serving as their corporate fleet administrator for 17 years, retiring in 1988. He was an avid golfer well up into his 87th year, religiously joined his exercise buddies weekly, loved fishing and was an excellent woodworker. He is survived by his loving wife, Freda. Married Mary Isabele Ward on Dec. 25, 1946, and they had five children, Barbara (Jack) Hansen of Rockford, Lynn (Bill) Johnson of Rockford, David (Pam) Doerr of Milwaukee, Wis., Robert Doerr of Clearwater, Fla., and Patti (Al) of Rockford. Also survived by stepchildren, Sharon (Wally) Kimbrough of Denton, Texas and Gene Housley of Truckee, Calif.; sister, Jean Kolman of Phoenix; grandchildren, Mike and Tim Moore, Chad Johnson, Ben and Sam Doerr, Chelsea Rappley, Mary and Whitney Lashock; stepgrandchildren, Skipper Berend, Kara Kim-brough, Lauren Robinson and Jeff and Greg Hansen; 15 great-grand-children and a host of other relatives and friends. Predeceased by his parents; brother, Lloyd Doerr; sister, Carol Dvorak; and granddaughter, Jodi Geddes. Memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, in Christ United Methodist Church, Highcrest Road, Rockford Ill.; Pastor Richard Wisdom will officiate. Burial in Willwood Cemetery, with Loves Park VFW Color Guard attending. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society and Hospice Compasses.