W. Harlow Duerst, age 98, of Monroe passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at the New Glarus Home.  He was born on September 26, 1926 the son of John and Emma (Zumkehr) Duerst.  He graduated from Monroe High School in 1944, he then went on to received his BBA from the UW Madison in 1949.  Harlow proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.  He married Ila Probst on June 27, 1954 in Monroe. 

Harlow started his career as a clerk at Schuetze’s Clothing Store in Monroe and later became the manager of Blackhawk Clothiers in Prairie du Chien.  He later bought the business and ran it for 30 years before retiring.  Harlow was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ.  He was an emcee and violinist in the Twilighters.  He also enjoyed playing pool with his friends at the Senior Center.

Harlow is survived by his 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 and Otto Hobson.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ila; and son, Brian Duerst.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM at SHRINER HAGER GOHLKE Funeral Home with Reverend Todd Hackman officiating. 

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.  Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.