William Rex Durdell

Durdell, William R.
Appleton

Age 88, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2003 peacefully at his home. He was born on January 14, 1915 in Appleton, Wisconsin, the son of the late Arthur and Dorothy (McNeil) Durdell. He served his country in the United States Army Signal Corps in Europe during WWII. On July 1, 1948, Bill married Amy J. Singer in Appleton. She passed away August 15, 1984. He began his career in the paper industry in Appleton at Consolidated Papers’ Pulp Mill. At retirement he was Mill Manager and President of the Barcon Plant Division. Bill developed a process for converting bi-products of pulp manufacture which was patented. This resulted in a partnership company between Consolidated & Dresser Industries of Houston. Bill and his wife also owned and operated Durdell nursery specializing in gladiolus and bedding plants. He enjoyed traveling the world, fishing, and gardening. Bill was also a private pilot until he was 77.
He is survived by his two daughters, Barbara (Patrick) Miller of Appleton and Joanne Durdell of Greenville, SC; his grandson, Scott Sheridan of LaCrosse; his granddaughter, Kathleen Sheridan of Kaukauna, and great-grandson, Skyler of Kaukauna. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, his brother, Robert Durdell, his granddaughter, Christina Wilz, and his grandson, Craig Wilz.
A funeral service will be conducted on Monday, March 3, at 3:00 p.m. at the Wichmann Funeral Home with Deacon Maury Reed officiating. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. A memorial fund is being established.
WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231