Erwin Nickie L. Durkee

Erwin L. (Nickie) Durkee, 85, Vancouver, WA formerly of Morris and Channahon IL, passed away peacefully September 20, 2011, in his home with his loving family by his side. He was born on May 17, 1926 in Morris, the son of George and Helen (Broderick) Durkee. He was educated in Morris Schools, enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Nickie married the love of his life, Alberta M. Callaway, on October 8, 1949 in Immaculate Conception Church in Morris. He was employed with Uniroyal at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant in Elwood, Caterpillar Tractor Company in Aurora, RCA Job Corps in Tulsa, OK and General Electric Corporation in Melbourne, FL, retiring in 1991 and relocating to Vancouver, WA. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Alberta and their daughters, Marcia (Richard) Abbott, Valencia, CA, Gail Durkee, Channahon, IL, Gloria Durkee, Vancouver, WA, and Cynthia (Patrick) Durkee-Murphy, Olympia, WA. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Meghann Pierce, Rachel Abbott, Lindsey Pierce, Sarah Abbott, and Braden Pierce; two sisters, Helen (Marvin) Kessler, Coal City, IL, Dorothy (Richard) Blaskie, Channahon, IL, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers, Edward, William, Robert, Donald, George, James, and John Durkee.

Friends may call on Monday, September 26, 2011 from 4-8 p. m. at U.C. Davis and Sons Funeral Home LTD., 301 West Washington Street, Morris, IL. Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 10:30 a. m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 516 E. Jackson Street, Morris, IL with Father Richard Smith officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Erwin’s name may be made to the American Lung Association. On line condolences can be extended to the family at www.ucdavisandsons.com (815-942-0084).