Walter F. Doerr

WALTER F. DOERR - 103

Walter F. Doerr of Westfield peacefully passed away on January 11, 2020.  He was 103.

Walter was born in his family home in Kearney, NJ on December 3, 1916.  He graduated from Kearney High School in the class of 1934.  After a four-year apprenticeship, he became a tool and die maker for Hyatt Roller Bearing.  Walter worked for Hyatt for 40 years, first in Harrison and then in Clark, where he worked until he retired in 1976.

He met the love of his life, Loraine, in 1943.  He and Loraine were married in 1945.  In 1953, Walter and Loraine moved to Westfield with their daughter, Diane.  Walter lived in Westfield for over 65 years.

For many years, Walter was an avid bicycle enthusiast, and was a member of the North Jersey Wheelmen Bicycle Club, where he had many close friends.  He rode bicycles well into his 90’s, picking up several medals in age-group competitions along the way.

Walter was very creative.  He used the skills and precision he learned as a tool and die maker to pursue his many interests and hobbies.  He repaired watches.  He built clocks.  He designed and built gasoline and steam engines.  He made furniture.  There wasn’t anything he could not fix or fashion.

However, what Walter will be most remembered for is his devotion and love of his family. There was nothing he would not do for his Loraine or his Diane.  Their happiness was his happiness.  He had the same care and compassion for his entire family. Everyone who knew Walter knew him to be kind, generous and sincere, and always ready to lend a hand.

Walter was predeceased by his beloved wife, Loraine, his parents, Christian Doerr and Emma Neuhaus Doerr, his three bothers, Robert, Elmer and Clifford Doerr and a nephew, Christian Doerr.  He is survived by his beloved daughter, Diane North (John), his grandson, Geoffrey North (Natalie) and his great-grandson, Michael North.  He is also survived by his nephews, James Doerr and Edward Doerr, and his niece, Ellen Rauh.

A memorial will be held for Walter at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave., Westfield, NJ at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 16, 2020.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Walter’s memory to the American Heart Association.

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