Harold F. Doerr
1929 ~ 2019

MADISON--“Breaker-Breaker 1-9”, it’s time to “Hammer Down” and journey on a new adventure down the biggest road of them all.

Harold Doerr passed away and started that journey March 22, 2019.

Harold was born September 28, 1929, in Hillsboro, WI to Walter (Tipper) and Gladys (Allds) Doerr. Based on Harold’s stories, he was rebellious in his youth.  Harold went on to earn his automotive degree through GM and then, on to the United States Air Force which opened his eyes to the world of travel. Harold served from 1950 to 1954 with a majority of it at Thule Air Base in Greenland, making it to the rank of SSGT. Back in the states, he and his father opened Doerr Sinclair, located on Wisconsin Street in Portage until 1966.  Then, Harold decided he wanted to travel and became an over the road truck driver exploring the United States, collecting many memories and stories along the way.  Later in life, he became a tavern owner of The Fire House in Portage with his youngest daughter, so that he would have a place to share his experiences.

Harold is survived by his two daughters Rhea (Timothy) Henney and Debra (David) Hesse; stepdaughters Kay and Linda Spicer; along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren to help keep his memories alive. Harold was preceded in death by his life partner, Norberta "Bert" Mitchell.

Graveside services will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery on Monday, April 1, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. Military honors will be provided by the Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard. A luncheon will follow at Dino’s Restaurant in Portage at 11:30 a.m. to tell tales and share memories.

The family would like to thank Harold’s friend and caretaker Jeff Liesse; neighbors, Lisa and John Ford and the Madison VA Hospital for all the assistance in the later stages of Harold’s life. We couldn’t have done it without all of you.  It is truly appreciated.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.