Ernest W. Duerig

November 18, 1933 - January 9, 2022

Chicago Botanic Garden

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.

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. Continue Reading

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I want to offer my heartfelt condolences to the Duerig family and friends. I worked with Enrie for much of his career at S&C and can attest to his friendly, happy, and helpful personality. He fully supported our development work and made every effort to meet the demanding requests. He was a significant factor in the success of S&C. All of us will miss him.

My condolences to Ernie's family. Ernie and I go back a long way. He and I always talked about my BMW motorcycle. He liked those German vehicles.

Ernie was a true friend. During my years at S&C he was always there to help me. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.

We have happy memories of Ernie and were so sad to hear of his passing. Wishing all the Duerigs peace, love and strength. xo

Liebe Lena, lieber Eric unser herzliches Beileid und tiefes Mitgefühl für diesen schweren Verlust von Ernie. Möge euch die Erinnerung an die gemeinsame Zeit auch Trost spenden. Wir sind sehr traurig und werden in stets in lieber Erinnerung behalten. Viele liebe Grüße von Jochen und Martina

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Sincere condolences to the Duerig family at this time of your loss of Ernie. Ernie's presence was always felt when he walked into the room. He had wonderful short stories and jokes to put a smile on your face. He will be remembered and missed.

Ernie Duerig was a wonderful man. He was a man you would have loved as a brother or father . My memories of him are all wonderful,

My heart felt condolences to the Duerig family. Memories of Ernie will stay with me for a long long time. I'm glad to have known and worked with him. I wish all the best to his family.

Condolences to your whole family. Ernie was always the best to me at work. (Joann). A special hello to Magdalena Love Joann and George

My sincere condolences, Magdalena and Eric. Ernie was a wonderful man and a true friend. I was blessed to know him.

My sincerest condolences to Ernie's family. I really enjoyed working with Ernie for whom nothing was impossible. He was a huge contributor to S&C's success and we will miss him and his great sense of humor.

Truly one of a kind and will be missed. My condolences to the family from the S&C family. Bernie Kirk

Magdalena and Eric, my deepest sympathy for the passing of Ernie. Everyone at S&C loved working with him, always willing to help and share is knowledge. He helped me so often with my projects. Ernie will always be in our hearts.

My condolences go out to Ernie’s family I knew Ernie for many years working at S&C Electric he will be mist by all his friends and family

A funny sweet man who always offered to help. My condolences to his family.

So sorry for your loss. Ernie was such a great guy to work with.

Ernie you will be missed. You helped me so much with my projects while working in R&D Thank you !

Eric, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your Father. May his memory be a Blessing.

My deepest condolences to you all! May you receive peace and comfort during this difficult and painful time.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

So sad for your loss. Sending love to you all. May he Rest in Eternal Peace.

As I can remember, you were always a kind hearted man and I enjoyed seeing how you loved being in the presence of your family, especially your siblings. I can just see and hear the laughs of you, my oma, uncle Hardy and Freddie together at the family events we had. I will forever cherish those memories. My deepest condolences goes out to Aunt Lena, Eric, Joan, and the rest of the Durig family. We definitely lost a great man with a wonderful legacy.

We are sincerely sorry for the loss of your dad. We will keep you in our prayers

In memory of Ernest W. Duerig, Heiko & Romy lit a candle

We are very sorry to hear from Ernie. We will all miss him. He was a very loving and very special person. Lieber Eric und liebe Lena, unser herzlichstes Beileid! Wir sind in Gedanken bei Euch. Viele liebe Grüße aus Wilsdruff senden Heiko, Romy und Kinder

Ernie and Lena were our neighbors since we moved to Skokie, many years back. He was kind, fun loving, respectful, helpful and so much more. I will miss sharing a glass of wine in the backyard with him on warm summer nights. May his memory be for a blessing.

Eric, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. My prayers are with you and your family.

In memory of Ernest W. Duerig, Andrea lit a candle

Prayers to you and your family Brother!!

Liebe Lena, Eric und Familie, Wir koennen es immer noch nicht fassen das Ernie uns so schnell und ploetzlich verlassen hat. Er wird fuer immer in unserem Herzen und unseren memories bleiben. Die schoenen Stunden die wir mit einander verbracht haben bleiben unvergesslich. Wen wir Mensch aergere Dich nicht gespielt haben oder wie wir in Branson, MS waren oder in Florida. Die Memories sind endles. Wir beten fuer Dich Lena das Deine Familie immer fuer dich da ist. Mein lieber Bruder rest in Piece. We miss you and love you for ever. In loving memories Dein Bruder Hardy und Christa

Tanta Lena, Our heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of our Onkel Ernie. We hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time. Wishing you comfort and peace. Sincerely, Tom & Donna Duerig Family.

My deepest condolences to Eric and Family. I am so very sorry for your loss - you will be in my prayers. I hope you are able to find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Many blessings always.

Our heartfelt condolences to Duerig Family. Ernie was great friend, we will always miss him. Please accept our deepest sympathies.

I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family.Carmen

Liebe Lena, lieber Eric und Familie,Es schmerzt uns sehr, dass mein lieber Bruder, mein lieber Onkel nicht mehr da ist - unser tiefstes Mitgefühl und Anteilnahme. Unser lieber Ernie, war in der Familie - Der Fels in der Brandung -. Er war verständnisvoll, kontaktliebend sowie immer sehr großzügig. Unsere fast täglichen Telefonate waren sehr wertvoll für mich und unsere Verbindung war herzenseng. Es tut so weh, dass er uns alle so plötzlich verlassen musste. Wir sind weit weg aber im Herzen sind wir bei euch.

Met him multiple times at the HEN and Curragh. Always had a good thing to say, especially when it came to his family. Good Man. Condolence's to the family.

Condolences to the entire family. I know that he was truly loved, admired, and respected by his family.

My condolences to the Duerig family.

Eric,I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father. I remember meeting him in the lunchroom at SPD, he was a joy to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I am very sorry to hear of the death of your father. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We will all miss Uncle Ernie. May our happy memories bring smiles to our faces when we miss him the most. Sending our love to Lena and the rest of the family.

Rest in heavily piece, mein lieber Onkel Ernie. Heaven just gained another angel.

God bless the Duerig family with His peace as you fondly remember Ernie. His smile will be missed. With love, Jan

Eric and family we are so very sorry to hear about the passing of your father Ernie. We will keep you all in our prayers. Shalom

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.