Shirley Jean Duerringer

June 22, 1932 - January 2, 2017

Shirley Jean Emery Duerringer passed away on January 2, 2017 in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her loving children at her bedside. Shirley was born on June 22, 1932 in Toledo to Claude and Leota (Wittenmyer) Emery. She attended Longfellow Elementary School and DeVilbiss High School, receiving her high school diploma in 1950. She married William Andrew Duerringer on August 1, 1952, and they had two children, Karen (b. 1953) and Bruce (b. 1957). Shirley worked for many years in the Dodge division of McGraw Hill Construction. Through her involvement in the construction industry, she became aware of the National Organization for Women in Construction (NAWIC). She was instrumental in starting the Toledo chapter of the organization. Shirley moved to Minnesota in 2013 to be near family, and for three years resided at Shoreview Senior Living in Shoreview, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Leota (Wittenmyer) Emery; husband, William Andrew Duerringer; and sister, Janet Emery Marineo. Shirley is survived by her daughter Karen Flynn (Richard) of Mahtomedi, Minnesota; grandson David Flynn (Katerina Middeldorp) of Northfield, Minnesota; son Bruce (Theresa) of Kingwood, Texas; grandson Christopher of Long Beach, California; grandson Steven (Rachel) of Vero Beach, Florida; and granddaughter Emily of Kingwood, Texas. Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her wide circle of friends for her many interests and activities, her enthusiasm and great sense of humor. She was a fine Duplicate Bridge player and, as a member of the American Contract Bridge League, became a Life Master in 1971 and achieved a status of Ruby Life Master over her lifetime. Shirley enjoyed birding and participated in many birding activities in northwest Ohio, sharing her love of this pastime with friends and family. As a lifelong member of Monroe Street United Methodist Church, she was active in many of its ministries and outreach programs. Services in celebration of Shirley’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 12, at Monroe Street United Methodist Church, where friends and family are invited to visit after 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Shirley’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), or the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (www.bsbo.org), in honor of Shirley’s great love of birding. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ansberg-West Funeral Directors. Family and friends are warmly invited to express condolences or share special memories online at www.ansberg-west.com.