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Richard Doermer Obituary
Doermer, Richard T. 87, died peacefully on October 11, 2010. Born in Fort Wayne, he was a graduate of South Side High School, the University of Notre Dame and Cornell University Law School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served in the Pacific theater where he was commissioned an Ensign. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Lieutenant JG. He began his practice of law as an associate with the firm of Campbell, Livingston, Teeple and Dildine; subsequently becoming a partner with Rothberg, Gallmeyer & Doermer. He began his long and illustrious career in banking in 1956 when he joined Dime Trust and Savings Bank as Director and Executive Vice President. Becoming president in 1957, he changed the name to Indiana Bank and Trust Company. Through acquisitions, mergers and affiliations, it grew to become Summit Bank (Summcorp). After Summcorp became an affiliate of NBD Bancorp in 1992, Doermer remained Chairman and CEO of NBD Fort Wayne until he retired in December of 1993. During his career, Doermer also served on the boards of directors of 9 other Indiana banks. Doermer was also Vice Chairman of Avis Industrial Corporation of Upland, Indiana. In partnership with Leland Boren, Chairman of Avis, it grew to a holding company owning 12 diverse manufacturing facilities across the US and in Canada. Over the years Doermer served as director on the boards of numerous businesses including Rea Magnet Wire Co., Journal Gazette Publishing Company, Our Sunday Visitor, Kelly Box and Packaging Corporation, the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. He was a member of the Advisory Council to the Mendoza School of Business at the University of Notre Dame. He also served as a member of the Finance Council and Investment Committee for the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. He spent 29 years on the Board of Directors of the Public Employees' Retirement Fund (PERF), initially appointed by Governor Otis Bowen and reappointed by four succeeding governors. He was a director of the United Way and also served as General Chairman of its annual fund campaign. He served on the Board of Trustees at the University of St. Francis. He is survived by son, Richard D. Doermer, of Chicago, daughter Kathryn D. Callen (John B. Powell) of Fort Wayne, long time friend and associate, Phyllis J. Alberts, grandchildren John, Thomas and Mary Callen, Abigail Bergeron and Caitlin Doermer and step grandchildren Carson and Claire Powell. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mary Louise (McNabb) Doermer, and his brother, John J. Doermer. Visitation from 2 until 8 on Thursday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Winchester Rd Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on 4500 Fairfield Avenue. Burial in Catholic Cemetery. Preferred memorials to the scholarship funds at the University of St. Francis, IPFW or donors choice. Info www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals. com 
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Doermer
PATRICK SCHAUER
November 2, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to Kathy, Dick Jr.,the Powells and the entire Doermer clan on the loss of my mentor and dear friend, "Mr. Doermer". My mother, GENNY SCHAUER, worked for Mr.Doermer many years and as a child, I would sit on her lap as she described what a wonderful man he was to work for.My Mom, Genny, played Bridge often with your Mom, Kathy and Dick, during the early years after WWII, where my Dad was in the first platoon of paratroopers in the US Army. Mr. Doermer will be missed but his legacy lives on in you, Kathy and Dick, and his grandchildren. He will be missed.
Amy (Stouder) Crouch
October 19, 2010
Richard and Kathryn, my mother was Susan McNabb (Stouder). I remember your mother coming to our house for "ladies parties" and my siblings and I all grew up hearing South Side stories of your father from our parents. I am sorry no one from our family heard in time to attend the viewing but know that we are thinking of you now and that you are in the prayers of these McNabbs and Stouders.
Debbie Parker
October 16, 2010
I worked at the bank for over 30 years and can't think of a more honest and wonderful person. One year my son came to the bank in his halloween outfit to see me. I came to the lobby and I found Dick Doermer on the floor with my five year old, picking out both his and my sons favorite candy. When I asked my son if he knew Dick Doermer he replied, I didn't know him but he knows how to pick out good candy. This was one of my favorite memories of Dick Doermer. He was not only a great person to work with but a wonderful human that truly cared about the people at the bank. He always had a smile and greeted everyone by name. God bless your family and I am truly sorry for your loss.
Debbie Parker
Mary Ellen (Nuttle) Crawford
October 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I enjoyed working at Indiana Bank under the direction of Mr. Doermer. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all.
October 15, 2010
Doerms, your Dad was just as his picture indicates, openfaced and accessible. He was always ready with a smile and willing to listen to anything you may have to say. He adored your Mom and you were the apple of his eye. Always so proud of your accomplishments. Love you, Els and Vince
John & Debbie Gildea
October 15, 2010
Kathy and Dick, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I always enjoyed talking with your dad as he always had such a positive outlook on life. His smile will never be forgotten. God Bless
Ron Rydin
October 14, 2010
Dick, My prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Ron Rydin
Ann Voland
October 14, 2010
I am sorry for your loss. Through employment at Avis Industrial and Pacific Forge I had opportunity to meet Mr. Doermer. He was a gentleman for whom I had great respect.
October 14, 2010
Kathryn D. Callen and Richard D. Doermer:
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Father.
William C. and Donna J. Phillips
October 14, 2010
Our sympathies are with you at this time of loss. Mr. Doermer's contributions to the Doermer School of Business are deeply appreciated and will be a lasting tribute to his belief in the importance of business education. Karen and John Leonard
bob ward
October 13, 2010
Dick, I am sorry for your loss. After reading about your dad,I would say his was a good life ,well lived
October 13, 2010
Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss, Dick. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Fondly,
Justin B. Brookshaw
The Family of Dr. Margaret Ball; Sue, Bob and Nancy
October 13, 2010
Kathy and Dick:
Mom and your Dad were childhood friends, and she wanted you to know that her thoughts and prayers, as well as mine, Bob's and Nancy's are with you. We lost our Dad in 2006, and we know how difficult it is. As time goes by, it seems like he grows alive again in our hearts. Much love from our family to yours.
October 13, 2010
My parents and I are truly sorry about Dick. He was such a great guy.My mother really misses your mother, they were such great friends and she has many good memories. Mom is 92 and dad 94. My dad hasn't quit talking about Dick since he heard. I don't know if they can make it to the funeral home due to standing to long, but their thoughts and prayers are with you, Paul and Kathryn Strickler Decatur fondly, Cassie Sanderson
October 13, 2010
I'm thinking of your family. Your dad/grandpa was an amazing man.
Peace to you.
Beth Bergeron
Lisa Worthman/Chiddister
October 13, 2010
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I remember your parents & your family well. Always a smile from them when I would wave.Your father did so many wonderful things with his life. You are blessed to have had such great parents.
I was just thinking of your family & the others from the Court last night.
God's Blessings to your family
October 13, 2010
Dear Kathy, So sorry for your loss. What a great man your father was. I am happy to have known him and your mother as well. May your pain ease daily as you hold those wonderful memories close to you. I enjoyed watching him be such a great grandfather to your children. What a role model for all of us. May his spirit live on in you and your wonderful children as you continue to pay it forward as he always did. With Love, Jennifer, Jeff, and Tanner
Brenda Bowman-Himmelhaver
October 13, 2010
Kathy and Dick: I am so very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a great boss. I was always amazed at his memory and how he could juggle so many things at one time. He was always upbeat and considerate of his employees. I hadn't seen him in awhile, but on several occasions I took my family to the bank for a short visit and he made sure my grandkids had chocolate covered graham cookies that he kept in the gold-domed bowl in his office. I hope happy memories will be with you in the tough days ahead. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
October 13, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless.
Peggy Sheets, Avis Industrial
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