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Robert Paul Durrie Jr., age 63, of Lodi, Wis., died on Friday, June 19, 2015, in Lodi. He was born on April 4, 1952, in Lincoln, Neb., the son of Robert and Mary Durrie. He married Lauren Schaefer on June 11, 1977, in Deerfield, Ill.
Robert "Chip" Durrie grew up in Lincoln, Neb., and graduated from Iowa State University with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. He married Lauren while he was in veterinary school in Ames, Iowa. Following graduation they moved to Chicago where he practiced small animal medicine. He went on to earn a doctorate in biochemistry from Loyola University Chicago and taught biochemistry at the medical school. He and Lauren moved to New York where he accepted a position as a research scientist at the Nathan Kline Institute of Orangeburg, N.Y. He spent the next 15 years researching human brain metabolism. He retired in 2000 and settled in Lodi with Lauren.
Chip was a master gardener, active in the Lodi Farmers Market and taught horticulture. He also enjoyed woodworking and making furniture. He was a board member of Habitat for Humanity in the local area for many years. Chip was a kind and gentle soul with a quick wit and a wry sense of humor. He loved people and had many close friends. Although Chip was a lifelong diabetic and encountered numerous serious health challenges, as a result, he and Lauren faced life with a positive attitude that was inspirational to all who knew him. He will be missed greatly.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert P. Durrie Sr., and his mother-in-law, Shirley Schaefer. He is survived by his wife, Lauren of Lodi; his mother, Mary Durrie of Lincoln, Neb.; his father-in-law, Richard Schaefer of Lodi; his brother, Daniel Durrie (Anne) of Kansas City, Kan.; his sister, Mary Lynn Reiser (Richard) of Omaha, Neb.; his sister and brother-in-law, Robert and Leslie Evert of Wyocena, Wis.; his brother-in-law, Richard Schaefer Jr. of Chicago, Ill.; and his nieces and nephews, Todd Reiser, Erin Durrie Stahl, Sally Reiser Christensen, Joshua, Robert Evert and Melissa Schaefer.
Memorials should be directed to Habitat for Humanity Sauk-Columbia Area, P.O. Box 38, Baraboo, WI 53913.
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Kathleen Quist (Allen)
Chip Durrie............ oh, how saddened I am. Reconnected a couple of times over the years but it's never enough, is it?? Very fond memories of often pairing up at the tables in Mr. Dorrai's science classes!! Brilliant fellow he was ......and accomplished many things. The angels are truly rejoicing upon his arrival, I'm sure!!
Joe Adams
It is amazing how good memories can provide joy and comfort for years and years. Thanks Chip for the great memories you gave us and that still live on. Rest in peace. Joe
Rick Crosier
Memories--
As we think back to our days of walking the halls at Southeast, if that memory brings a smile or a laugh Chip was more than likely involved. He always had the ability to bring a smile to our faces, whether it was one of his imitations or his thoughts about everyday life, Chip was special.
I remember when he wanted to take a Home Economics Class rather than a Shop Class. Chip explained at lunch that the Teacher made him take a quiz before she would allow him to take the class. One of the questions was "How does one blanch a tomato?" I had no clue, but Chip quickly explained the correct answer. I do not remember whether they finally let him take the course or not, but I still remember how to blanch a tomato.
As we all age we forget the little things-- Like taking our morning pills, then brushing our teeth and suddenly realizing that we still had the pills in our mouth. (I did that last week) Yet fortunately the Good Lord allows us to remember the special memories.
Chip, thank you for giving us so many special memories, I am sure that you are bringing a smile to all of the Angels in Heaven now.
Laura Boretti (de Araujo)
He was one person you cannot forget.
Smiling, laughing, near the senior bench.
A prayer for you Chip and thanks for showing us that you can go on laughing no matter how hard your life can be.
Janet Bradley (Donovan)
Ah, sweet Chip. He was kind to me from the day I met him at Sheridan elementary, all through Jr. High and High School and all the years since. He was kind to everyone and I never met a person that didn't simply love him. What a terrific, incredibly intelligent, talented and fun person he was. He is missed and will never be forgotten.
Janet Bradley Donovan
Sandra Herforth
I forever remember Chip's impersonation of frying bacon. I never ever saw anyone do something like that right off the cuff and in the middle of the classroom floor, and right in front of the teacher. LOL