Robert H. Durley

Bob Durley, age 87, of Potosi, died on Sunday, December 17, 2023. He was born on February 8, 1936 at his home during a blizzard in Potosi, Wisconsin, the son of Walter and Mabel (Fritz) Durley.  Bob was the second of five children.

Bob met Mary K. Kane at a dance in Rockville and that encounter led to a marriage that lasted for 65 years, as the two wed on June 25, 1958.  They had six children and built their home in Potosi, enlisting relatives and the local East Street neighbors.

Bob is a graduate of Potosi High School and worked for Keeners and Winkler Implements in Potosi. Bob also worked for John Deere Dubuque Works in the service department. In 1959, Bob was drafted in the U.S. Army and served until 1965 as an engineering equipment mechanic. After being honorably discharged, Bob returned to his job at John Deere and retired in 1986 with 30 year career.  

Bob and Mary started Durley’s Saw and Mower Service, repairing and selling JD lawn and garden equipment, as well as snowmobiles at their home in Potosi.  They were avid snowmobilers and belonged to the Mississippi Bluff Riders snowmobile association.  Bob instructed a snowmobile safety course for children riding local trails.  Bob also served on the Potosi School District Board of Education and retired from the lawn and garden business.  John Deere missed Bob’s expertise so much they re-hired him to write service repair manuals and instruct JD service members on diesel engine repairs.

Bob was a John Deere collector, specifically toy farm tractors and journeyed annually with the family to the National Farm Toy Show in Dyersville, Iowa. Bob stayed busy assisting with the Pine Wood derby for cub scouts, proof-reading homework, and attending his children’s school events and performances.

Survivors include his wife Mary K. (Kane) and children: Kayleen K. and Robert L. (retired music teachers) of Centerville, Iowa; Dan (Patty) (Lands End Corporate Sales) of Potosi; Mary Ellen (Captain U.S. Coast Guard) and Kathleen (music teacher) of Portsmouth, Virginia; and Lori L. (art teacher) of Potosi; two brothers, Bill of Potosi, Ben (Joanne) of Mableton, Georgia; and one sister, Mary (Devins) of Janesville, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Mabel; one brother, Bud; sister-in law Pat (Knapp), and beloved pets Lassie, Spotty, and Beethoven.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 22 at 10:30 a.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster with Deacon Roger Scholbrock officiating.  Burial with military honors will be in St. Thomas Cemetery, Potosi. Family and friends may call on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. A luncheon will immediately follow burial at St. Andrew-Thomas School, Potosi. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.