Obituary: Durre

Ronald E. Durre, Sr., of Chatsworth, Illinois, formerly of Strawn, peacefully passed from time into Eternity, his Heavenly Home, on the morning of Thursday, December 18, 2025.

At Ronald’s request, cremation rights have been accorded. A Celebration through Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury, IL. A private memorial service and interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Ronald’s name may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, St. Petri Evangelical Lutheran Church of Flanagan, IL, or Chatsworth Fire Department/Emergency Medical Service of Chatsworth, IL.

Ronald was born on November 16, 1941, at home outside of Minonk to Fred W. and Florence E. (Kettwich) Durre. Ronald was the second of three children. He is survived by his siblings Carolyn (Rev. Emil) Blobaum of Royal, IL, and Reynold F. (Sandra) Durre of Stevens Point, WI.

Baptized and confirmed at St. Petri Evangelical Lutheran Church (Windtown), Flanagan, Ronald enjoyed participating in church organizations like Luther League, choir, and church picnics. He was a 1959 graduate from Minonk-Dana-Rutland High School where his favorite courses were Math and Building Trades. In addition to carpentry and finishing work, Ronald enjoyed participating in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and performing in the choir and school play. Within a few years after graduation, Ronald enlisted and served six years in the Illinois Army National Guard. In 1968, Ronald’s division was activated and deployed to the Chicago riots.

While on a cross-country road-trip to California, Ronald met the love of his life, Betty Jo, whom he married in 1967. The couple resided outside Minonk until they moved to a farm five miles east of Strawn in 1968. Soon after, Ronald began serving as a trustee on the board for Germanville Township. The family farmed and lived on the land for fifty years. It was here that they raised three children: Ron (Deb) Durre, Jr., of Monte Vista, CO; Tamara Durre of Chatsworth, IL; and Tania Durre of Chatsworth, IL. Ronald, Betty Jo and their family were active members of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chatsworth, IL, for many years.

Betty Jo preceded Ronald in death in 2016. Their children survive.

Other survivors include Ronald’s father-in-law, Joseph E. Souser, Jr.; sister-in-law Deborah (Dan) Evans; brothers-in-law William (Gloria) Souser and Randy (Marcia) Souser; two grandchildren, Remington (Kendra) Durre and Madisen (Ty) Canty; six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, and friends.

From his early years, Ronald enjoyed crop and livestock farming with his father. One of his favorite responsibilities as a life-long farmer was harvesting the corn. Ronald’s children fondly remember walking beans riding with him in the combine while he taught them about the wonder of God’s beautiful creation.

Ronald also enjoyed dancing with his wife and daughters, visiting family and friends, playing cards and going to county and state fairs with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed taking his family to concerts and movies and attending farm and home shows, as well as car and air shows. He shared his fascination with tractors, trains, and airplanes with his family. Ronald also enjoyed singing and listening to beautiful music. He would later join and sing with the Martin Luther Men’s Chorus, Flatville.

Ronald will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. He leaves behind him a legacy of faith, hard work, humor, patience, and love.

An online registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.