Robert Derr

Those close to Robert Derr knew how much they meant to him, if not by his words, then by his actions of love and support. Utterly devoted to his wife and son, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were most precious and held a special place in his heart. Strict, but loving, family always came first.

The world was in a state of continuing change and progression in the year 1918. Having just escaped from the trenches of a vast and terrible war, the United States sought to regain the industrial momentum witnessed at the turn of the century. Towering factories and speeding commerce turned cities into thriving metropolises, with Chicago being one of the busiest. For Phillip and Bertha (Hicks) Derr, life in Chicago revolved around Phillip working in his bakery and Bertha caring for the home and their son, Richard. Almost a New Years’ baby, son Robert arrived on December 30, 1918, to the joy of his parents and older brother.

While his father worked in the bakery, Robert and his brother spent their growing up years playing and learning in their Chicago neighborhood. Even with the Depression approaching, Robert did not have to work in the bakery and was able to concentrate on his schoolwork. Sharp witted and intelligent, Robert did very well in school. When the city held a “Mayor for a Day” event for students, Robert was chosen. He continued his schooling in Chicago, graduating from high school.

In 1940 Robert, like many other young men at the time, was called to help his country. World War II found Robert in the Army, proudly and bravely fighting to protect the United States. When the war was over, Robert decided to stay in Germany, and it was there that he met the lovely Elfriede Christ. They dated off and on for the next four or five years, giving their relationship a chance to grow. Eventually, Robert returned to Chicago, with Elfriede by his side. They were married in Chicago in 1950. It was a small wedding, with just one friend standing up for the bride and one for the groom, but it was a wedding filled with love and tenderness.

The newly weds lived in Chicago from 1950 to 1954, where Robert worked as a tool and die maker for General Motors, making train locomotives. Robert’s parents had moved to Saugatuck, a family vacation spot when he was growing up. Phillip opened a small bakery, reminiscent of Chicago, in his garage. Robert, in the meantime, was going from job to job as a tool and die maker, trying to support his family. Eventually he landed a job with Hart and Cooley in Holland, working there for 22 years until his retirement. Robert was a member of the International Association of Machinists, Local #1418.

Robert didn’t have many hobbies, but he loved to fix clocks and watches. The size of the timepiece made no difference to him. Friends and neighbors alike often brought their clocks and watches to Robert to be repaired. He was an avid reader of the daily newspaper, perusing it in the morning and reading it again at night, just in case he missed anything. And when it came to his grandchildren, Robert was somewhat of a softie. They loved to accompany their grandfather to the store when he went to buy the paper because they knew Grandpa would buy them a candy bar. And it was a special day in deed when his two great-grandchildren came to visit.

Robert and Elfriede loved to travel through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, often stopping at Big Bay De Noc. Frankenmuth, with its quaint German atmosphere was also a favorite place to visit. However, Elfriede’s health began to fail and the travels stopped, but Robert’s tender care of his wife continued. Sadly, she passed away in 1996. After Elfriede’s death, Robert made several trips back to Germany to visit with her family.

Robert was devastated by the loss of his wife and found living alone to be almost unbearable. Knowing how much his father was hurting, Udo and his wife invited Robert to come and live with them. Robert gratefully accepted and lived surrounded by family for the next 7 years, until it became necessary for him to move to assisted living.

Family, values, discipline, Robert Derr will be remembered for these and many more wonderful qualities. He will be missed by friends and family.

Robert Derr, 86 of Holland died Thursday March 17, 2005 at a local care facility. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church. He was preceded in death by his wife Elfriede in 1996. Surviving is his son, Udo and Donna Derr of Holland; two granddaughters: Tiffany Meyer of Holland and Traci Derr of Virginia Beach, and 2 great-grandchildren. Services are 12:00 pm on Monday in Zion Lutheran Church, with the Rev. John Westra officiating. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Monday at the church. Please visit Robert’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers online or make a memorial donation to Hospice of Holland. Arrangements are by the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes.