Wayne Duerst

Roger Wayne Duerst, age 95 passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. He was born on April 17, 1931 in Madison, WI the son of Palmer and Mavis (Figy) Duerst. Wayne graduated from New Glarus High School in 1949. He continued his education at the University of Illinois and enrolled in the Army ROTC program. Wayne graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture in 1954 and began active-duty service in the United States Army. On August 31, 1952 he was united in marriage to Hazel Engen at the Primrose Lutheran Church. Wayne served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Medical Corps until his discharge in 1954 at Fort Riley, KS. Wayne and Hazel then returned to New Glarus and he began his career as an architect. Wayne would work for Flad and Associates in Madison for many years specializing in public buildings, schools, and medical research labs until retiring in 1996. He was a member of the Swiss United Church of Christ in New Glarus, New Glarus Lions Club and the American Institute of Architects. He was also a charter member of the Edelweiss Chalet Country Club. Wayne was an avid reader and traveler, who enjoyed classical music. Most of all he cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Wayne is survived by his children Mark (Nury) Duerst, Dennis (Lois) Duerst, and Marilyn (Tom) Herzberg, grandchildren Brandon (Stephanie), Austin, Amanda, Ben (Jessica), Abby (fiancé Logan), Jacob (Hannah), Trevor, and Tyler, and great-grandchildren Vida, Jack, and Sophie. He is further survived by his sister Carol (David) Hustad, sister-in-law Norma Duerst, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Hazel, and brother Eugene.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29, at the Swiss United Church of Christ, 18 Fifth Ave., New Glarus, WI with Pat Pluss officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the New Glarus Cemetery.

A visitation will precede the funeral service from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Friday, May 29, 2026 at the Swiss United Church of Christ in New Glarus.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the New Glarus Public Library.