Robert Thomas DuRocher, 70, of Springfield, formerly of Jacksonville, died Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
Funeral services will be held at a later date. Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. DuRocher was born May 30, 1950, in Jacksonville, the son of Robert F. and Bernice Ruh DuRocher. He married Christine Beadles on Dec. 22, 1978, and she preceded him in death in 2012. He later married Nancy Fuchs on Oct. 12, 2018, in Charlevoix, MI, and she survives.
A 1968 graduate of Routt High School in Jacksonville, he resided in Jacksonville until moving to Springfield in 2018. As a young man, he liked to drive fast cars, motorcycles and boats, but as an older, wiser man, he liked to also tell younger family members to not drive fast cars, motorcycles and boats.
A supervisor for AC Humko, he was not only the boss, but a great friend to all of his coworkers and stayed in touch with them after his retirement. He enjoyed retirement, spending time with his family and friends, as well as spending time in the great outdoors.
Throughout his life, he loved to hunt, fish, boat, golf and explore, and was always on the go, traveling and driving. He especially enjoyed his trips to Canada with his fishing buddies and never met a stranger. He will be remembered for the sparkle in his eyes, his smile and his big hugs.
A dedicated father and loving husband, he loved to participate in the lives and activities of his beloved grandchildren and could often be heard boasting about them. He was a dedicated Rochester Rockets fan, and loved watching his grandson, Jacob, play football and looked forward to many more Rocket gridiron adventures withTy and Dylan. He enjoyed celebrating the accomplishments of his only granddaughter, Grace, and loved his adventures with Johnny, especially teaching him how to drive.
The pride he felt for his children and grandchildren made him very happy and he was always grateful for the time he shared with them, especially during their trip to Florida earlier this year. He also treasured time with his wife, Nancy, and the many adventures they had together. He lived every day to the fullest, cherished his family and friends and always gave them big hugs.
In addition to his wife, Nancy, he is survived by his daughter, Robin Schmidt of Springfield; son, Dr. Ryan (wife Mendy) DuRocher of Springfield; five grandchildren, John Schmidt II and Grace, Jacob, Ty and Dylan DuRocher, all of Springfield; brother, Jim DuRocher of Jacksonville; sister, Marilyn Bebout of Jacksonville; numerous nieces and nephews; former wife and mother of his children, Norma Seibert of Springfield; his wife, Nancy’s, children and grandchildren, Angelique Fuchs of Nokomis; Stephanie (Ryan) Hotarek, and children, Johannah and Theadorah, Katie (Benjamin) Prose and children, Kalvin, Audrey, Wyatt and Steven, all of Girard, and Troy (Whitney) Fuchs and children, Campbell, Everett and Maren of Glendale, MO.
In addition to his parents and wife of 34 years, Christine, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon, and his son-in-law, John P. Schmidt.
Memorials may be made to PAWS or the Jacksonville Food Bank.
Online condolences may be left at www.airsman-hires.com.
