Obituary: Pauline Mae Duerkop

April 23, 1938 – March 28, 2025 
Pauline passed away peacefully on the morning of March 28, 2025, holding the hand of her youngest daughter, Pam. Her last days were filled with loving family visits and calls, and while she could no longer voice her joy as easily, it shone through her eyes. They lit up every time she looked at her people, the ones who were there to love on her. We knew something was holding her to this world just a little longer, and sure enough, her big sister Mary made a promised visit later that week. We are so thankful she made it, bringing the peace and prayers only she could offer to help usher her baby sister into the arms of our Lord.

Pauline Mae Schalow was born on April 23, 1938, in Mankato, Minnesota, to Paul John and Elizabeth (Mae) Schalow—but she didn’t arrive alone. Her twin brother, Paul John ‘Johnnie’, came first, and according to him, he pulled her along to follow! According to her, she booted him out first to make a little more space for herself! There’s something special about the bond between twins, and these two were always up to something when they were together. After Johnnie passed in 2000, Pauline seemed to live for both of them, carrying on for another 25 years with even more determination.

Growing up wasn’t easy. Pauline was one of 11 children in a blended family and was especially close to her siblings Mary, Betty, Johnnie, and Bobby. Born during the Great Depression, she often shared stories of how nothing ever came easy in those days. She worked hard from childhood, and school was never much of a focus for her. The tough times had claimed that privilege. She longed for independence, but tough circumstances made that out of reach early on—so when she finally claimed it, she held onto it like a badge of honor throughout her life.

Down the road, as her children were almost grown, Pauline graduated from high school. She made it happen, and everyone was incredibly proud of her for this accomplishment. It was a testament to the determination that defined her—when she set her mind to something, she made sure to see it through.

Pauline found love with Walter Robinson of Waseca, Minnesota, and they married on November 11, 1955. Together for 38 years, they built a life on the farm in Minnesota and raised four beautiful children: Myron (1956), Debbie (1958), Jerry (1960), and Pam (1967). In 1969, she and Walter relocated the family to California for four years before eventually settling in Arizona, where she spent the rest of her life.

In 1994, Pauline married Gerry Duerkop of Alma, Wisconsin, and together they cared for a small acreage in New River, Arizona. They took great pride in that land and spent 19 happy years together. After Gerry’s passing, Pauline was blessed to find love again with Lloyd Price, whom she married on December 11, 2017. They remained together until Lloyd’s passing in 2023.

Though fiercely independent, Pauline was small in stature—less than 5 feet tall and barely 100 pounds for most of her life—but she had a heart big enough to make everyone feel special. Children and animals adored her, and we fondly called her our Angel Grandma. She had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world. There’s a family joke about how each of us was “her favorite.” She made sure to tell every child and grandchild that they were number one, and we all proudly wore that title—only to realize as adults that we had all been her favorites! Somehow, it never felt like a trick. She loved each of us so fully that we still secretly believed we were the real favorite.

Pauline was a hard worker. Her secret to staying in great shape and looking good was simple: move your body every single day, no matter how tired or sick you feel. She lived by that rule, and few could keep up with her. Even just a few months before she passed, she was still out pulling weeds on her property. And she was cool before being cool was even a thing. She had a mischievous spirit, a fantastic sense of humor, and a way of making any time with her feel like an adventure.

Pauline is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Betty, her brothers John and Bobby, her husband Walter Robinson, her husband Gerry Duerkop, and her husband Lloyd Price. She is survived by her big sister, Mary Fretham of Owatonna, MN, and all four of her beloved children: Myron (Nadine), Debbie (John), Jerry (Mary), and Pam (Jimmy). She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Dennel (Joe), Deona, Dane (Jenny), Chasitie (Ben), Kevin, Shea Lynn, and Cassondra (Justin). Additionally, she is survived by 14 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and many others who adopted her as their mother, grandmother, or friend along the way.

Her kindness, her unconditional love, and her unstoppable perseverance will never fade. We will continue to raise our children—and they will raise theirs—on the love, kindness and strong work ethic she passed down. We will wake up, move our bodies, work hard, and take care of each other because her absence is impossible to fill, but her legacy is one we can all carry forward.

Fly high, Mom! Fly high, Grams! We love you, and you will never be forgotten. A part of you lives on in each of us. THANK GOD for you. We hope and pray you are enjoying the reunion with those who have been waiting for you at heaven’s gates. We know the crowd is large.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association so they might further their understanding and continue to work hard in finding a cure for this disease https://www.alz.org/ or by mail 22512, 10000 N. River Rd, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60660