Kenneth Roman Duerr

Kenneth “Ken” Roman Duerr of Fort Mill went to be with his heavenly Father on March 18, 2022, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on March 16, 1928, in Dayton, MN to Reynold J. and Genevieve (Dahlheimer) Duerr.

At 18, Ken enlisted in the United States Navy where he attained the rank of Senior Master Chief. He valued his service highly and served on multiple ships as a cook and a training petty officer for the cooks in Great Lakes, IL. Even at the age of 94, he recalled the ships, ports, and the positions he held.

After retiring from the US Navy, he went to work as the Director of Food Services for Mercy Catholic Hospital in Charlotte, NC and then went on to be the Food Service Manager at Celanese Corporation, retiring. He attended Kings Business College.

Ken married Martha (Marty) Sports in December 1946 in Charleston, SC. Married for 56 years, they had four children and enjoyed many traveling adventures. After Marty’s passing, he married Frances Adkins in Fort Mill in February 2007. They, too traveled to see as much of the country as possible. She survives in Fort Mill.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Marty, his sister, Vermona Rasmussen, a granddaughter, Kristen Brown and a Son-In-Law, Jim Kelly. He is survived by his wife, Frances and his four children: Cynthia Kelly of Shallotte NC, Donna Duerr of Charlotte NC, Diana Martyn (Michael) of Dearborn Heights MI, Kenneth J. Duerr (Susie Boyles) of Gastonia, and a brother Daryl Duerr of Olympia WA. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, four great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered for being the best father anyone could have along with being a model husband and grandfather. He was faithful to his Catholic parish and the needs of those in the parish. He was a wonderful example of kindness and love until the day he died.

Ken enjoyed bowling until he was nearly 90 years old. He also loved Nascar racing.

A servicer honoring his life will be held at St. Philip Neri Catholic Chruch at Fort Mill on May 11, 2022, at 11:30am. The family will receive friends following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in Ken’s memory to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Building Fund.

A Private interment will be at Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte NC.

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