Ila Jean Duerst, age 90 of Monroe passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at the Monroe Hospice Home.  She was born on July 27, 1933 the daughter of Fredrick and Mabel (Olson) Probst.  She graduated from Monroe High School.  She went on to receive her nursing degree from Madison General Hospital of Nursing.  Ila married W. Harlow Duerst on June 27, 1954 in Monroe. 

Ila was an RN at the Monroe Clinic and Memorial Hospital in Prairie Du Chien for 40 years.  She was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Monroe Women’s Club, and Monroe Quilting Club.  She enjoyed playing bridge and making quilts. 

Ila is survived by her husband, Harlow; children, Jean Duerst of Madison, Lisa Lorenzi of Monroe, and Diane Hamilton of Monroe; grandchildren, Alec (Kara) Smith of De Forest, Lesley (Brian) Hobson of Black Earth, Calvin Sinklair of Fox Lake, Brian (Miriam) Elvert of Williams Bay, and Haley Sinklair of Madison; and great-grandchildren, Presley Smith, Olive Hobson, Abrams Smith, Owen Hobson.   

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Russell Sandley; and son, Brian Duerst.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM at SHRINER HAGER GOHLKE Funeral Home with Reverend Todd Hackman officiating. 

A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.  Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.