Karl Wilhelm Duerr, age 87 years, of Manchester Township, NJ, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Care One at Wall, Wall Township, NJ, under the caring watch of Compassionate Care Hospice.

Born in Bretten, Germany, June 27, 1932, son of the late Ferdinand and Frida Suepfle Duerr, Karl emigrated to the United States in 1953 and had lived in Springfield, Green Brook and Watchung, NJ prior to moving to Manchester Township seventeen years ago.

Learning the trade of a Tool & Die maker as a young child, he would perfect his craft and go on to own and operate, along with his brother Walter, Duerr Tool & Die, Inc., based out of Union, NJ. The brothers were known for their skill and meticulous work. Karl’s desire for everything to work flawlessly, as well as his creative approach to solving an issue, made him well respected in the field. He operated the business until his retirement in 2003, whereupon his son and nephew took over the legacy of the family business.

A provider in every sense of the word, Karl was a solid soul that did whatever he needed to make certain his family had a good life. Though quiet and a man of few words, those who knew Karl knew of his love and fierce devotion for them. He was a man of action who showed love by living his life in a way that showed support and optimism in all that he did.

In 1954 at the Essex House in Newark, NJ, Karl’s world would be forever changed when he made the decision to go to a dance. It was there he would lock eyes with a young Ms. Karin Werner. The two shared a waltz and from there they were inseparable except for the two years Karl served in the United States Army. Serving during the Korean War in both the United States and Germany, Karl was honorably discharged in 1958. Karin and Karl would be married during his time in the Army, joining hands in marriage on October 19, 1957 in Karl’s hometown of Bretten. From their union a daughter, Debbie, and a son, Jens, would be born. The family would expand over the years and cause Karl to have a permanent smile affixed to his face as he lived for them and enjoyed every moment of being a husband, father and grandfather.

A longtime member of the Plainfield County Club and the Loxahatchee Club in Jupiter, FL, Karl loved to golf. He also enjoyed playing at the “Renaissance”, the community in which he and Karin retired to in Manchester. Choral music was also a favorite pastime and Karl sung for many years with the Schwaebischer Saengerbund.

Karl will also be remembered for his ability to fix almost anything. A true “jack of all trades”, his family and friends always were grateful to Karl for his ability to help them solve any mechanical situation.

A good party, and the food and beer that went along with it, was also something that Karl enjoyed. Though he loved to eat and sip on a good beer, it was that time together with family and friends that made each party special for Karl. Though his passing leaves a void, the legacy of love and hope he leaves for all to follow will carry on forever. All reading this are asked to cherish time with family and friends just a little more in Karl’s honor.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Helmut, and a brother-in-law, George Meyer.

Surviving are his wife, Karin H. Werner Duerr; a daughter and son-in-law, Debbie Duerr Orleach and Patrice Orleach; a son and daughter-in-law, Jens Karl Duerr and Colleen Duerr; four grandchildren, Claire-Elise Orleach, Carly Orleach, Hannah Duerr and Erik Duerr; his siblings, Walter and Sigrid Duerr, and Elfriede Meyer; his brother and sisters-in-law, Renate Wittkam, Hans and Nicole Werner, Gisela Ippolito and Kathe Blume; several extended family members; and many dear friends.

Karl will lie in repose on Thursday, September 12, 2019 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Visitation will also take place on Friday, September 13, 2019 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Clinton Presbyterian Church, 91 Center Street, Clinton, NJ 08809.

Life celebration services officiated by Rev. Tracey Henry will take place on Friday, September 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Clinton Presbyterian Church and all are welcome.

Cremation at the Chapel of Somerset Hills Memorial Park, Bernards Township, NJ, will be private and follow the services. Inurnment at Hollywood Memorial Park, Union, NJ, will take place later this fall.

Please visit Karl’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a memorial candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of his life.

Those wishing to honor Karl are kindly asked to make a contribution to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking HERE, or to Compassionate Care Hospice, 1130 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753 or online by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”