Daryl John Duerr

Daryl John Duerr, of Olympia, Washington, passed away on December 13 at the age of 91. He once said the thing that surprised him most about life was that he lived so much longer than he had ever imagined. How wonderful it was to have him in the world for so long, always greeting everyone with a hearty “How do?” and a chuckle.

He was born April 21, 1932, in Anoka, Minnesota, to Olivia and Reinhard “Reynold” Duerr. Daryl was the middle child and grew up in Longview, Washington. His father taught him how to repair tractors at a young age, which inspired him to become a mechanic.

After graduating from Kelso High School in 1951, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps on the tenth anniversary of D-Day that same year. Daryl proudly served his country in the Korean War as a sergeant and combat engineer. Although he felt he never worked a day in his life because he loved being a mechanic, he always wished he had stayed in the Marines to get his 20 years. It was the only regret he ever mentioned. In a life as long as his, that was an enviable feat.

Daryl left the Marines after serving three years. He and his first wife had four children together: Darren, Glenn, Debbie, and Janet. He worked as a mechanic his whole life, eventually landing at Zittel’s Marina in Lacey, Washington. There, he was a marine mechanic until his retirement in 1991. There wasn’t a machine – big or small – that he couldn’t fix, a blade he couldn’t sharpen, or a knot he couldn’t untangle. He loved to repair things and collected gadgets of all kinds. He marveled at the things people invented, trying his hand at it a time or two himself.

After his retirement from Zittel’s, he volunteered for the Washington State Parks Department for a number of years to keep busy.

Daryl and his wife Jessie were married for nearly 43 years. They were a fixture of the Steamboat Island Community, having owned the building that is now Steamboat Grill and Greens, along with the storage yard and home behind it. Together they traveled the country in their various RVs, visiting family and researching their genealogy. For much of their time together, Jessie lived with Multiple Sclerosis, and Daryl’s devotion to her was steadfast.

They loved their grandchildren beyond measure and would travel far and wide to see them. He was known affectionately to them as “Dewey,” a nickname that stuck after his grandson Frank couldn’t pronounce “Duerr.” Dewey would do anything to make a little kid laugh, and there was nothing like when he would ask a grandkid if they wanted to play “sit up straight,” “stiff as a board,” or “bump-a-noggin.” He watched a lot of rodeos and went on many camping trips to Lena Creek on the Olympic Peninsula, famously hiking to Lower Lena Lake in his cowboy boots. He never missed any event of the grandkids’ if he could help it.

Daryl had such capable hands, with wide knuckles and nimble fingers. He liked to sport a flat-top hair cut. He had impeccable posture and manners. He liked everything done just so. His toast was always buttered right up to the edges. He drank his coffee black. He drank tea every evening after dinner. He liked to look nice when he left the house, always in his cowboy hat and boots no matter the occasion or the season. He liked just a couple of shakes of salt in his small glass of beer in the evenings. He used an impressive amount of tape when he wrapped a gift. He went to breakfast every Wednesday morning with the guys. He nurtured a sweet tooth, but always in small amounts: black licorice, mini candy bars, molasses cookies, Oreos, and his wife’s berry pie. He never swore. His favorite sound was the sound of birds. He had a soft spot for animals and was never without a pet. He was a kind and gentle man, good-natured and with a good sense of humor. He had grace for everyone. He was humble and always had a twinkle in his eye.

Daryl leaves behind his son Glenn Troub (wife Jeanette) of California, daughter Debbie Bowen (husband Robin) of California, daughter Lynda Mehrer of Olympia, son Rich Durward (wife Gay) of Olympia, and son Rick Snyder of Olympia; his grandchildren: Robert, Dean, Kevin, Liz, Ashley, Brandon, Lisa, Robyn, Frank, Kelli, James, Chris, Evie, and Garrett; his great-grandchildren: Greyson, Gavin, Abby, Lexi, Hali, Annabelle, Clementine, Cannon, Colton, Liam, Owen, Crew, Ashtyn, and Hadley; and a magnitude of nieces and nephews who loved him very much.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his wife, his brother Kenneth Duerr, his sister Vermona Rasmussen, his son Darren Troub, and his infant daughter Janet.

His funeral will be held Thursday, January 4, at Mills and Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater. All of those who knew Daryl are invited and encouraged to attend. Each of you brought him so much joy and delight.

Flowers may be sent to the service. Donations in Daryl’s name to the Mason County Kitten Rescue or the Salvation Army are also encouraged.