Timothy DuFour

On the morning of November 11, 2014, Timothy "Tim" DuFour passed away at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, WI surrounded by his family. He was 60 years of age. Tim was diagnosed with liver disease earlier this year and was about to be placed on the transplant list when complications set in. Tim was born in Milwaukee, WI on February 16, 1954. The youngest of 4 siblings, he was often the center of attention and enjoyed making people feel good - always able to bring out laughter in any crowd. After graduating from Beaver Dam High School in Beaver Dam, WI, Tim attended the prestigious Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida where he met Kathryn Wade. Both Tim and Kath graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design in 1976 and were married on August 16, 1975 in Kath's hometown of Sterling, Illinois. Tim's first job landed the young couple in Baraboo, WI where he worked as a graphic designer and creative director for Flambeau Products Corporation. In 1979 Tim and Kath moved to Sheboygan to pursue careers in advertising and, shortly thereafter, Tim opened DuFour & Associates Design Studio, which soon developed into a full service marketing and advertising agency-DuFour Advertising, LLC. Later, Tim extended his education in business and marketing at Silver Lake College. From its humble beginnings, in 1980 as a one-man design house, DuFour grew into a dynamic, full service advertising agency comprised of talented individuals who are driven by a passion for excellence. "Over the years, we've relocated, and our team has grown with new faces, but we've never lost sight of the power of great service, continuous improvement, current technology or having fun. Our dedication to those core values has fostered an environment and culture that supports our mission: Developing Great Ideas," said Tim DuFour. In addition to his agency, Tim was a talented artist. Many of his paintings are displayed at Pine Hills Country Club, Coconut Reef Gallery in Grand Cayman, Two Fish Gallery in Elkhart Lake, WI and in private collections throughout the country. The agency's philosophy gives testimony to the man, "...you can't delegate creativity. It must be inspired and nurtured." His most inspirational mentors in life included his dad, Vince Lombardi, Helen Keller, Frank Lloyd Wright and Leonardo Di Vinci. In addition to his successful business Tim was known throughout the Sheboygan area in many circles. He was a member of Pine Hills Country Club, Sheboygan Downtown Rotary Club and was on the Rotary Presents at the Stefanie H. Weill Center committee. He served on a numerous amount of additional boards and committees throughout his life. Tim also supported and participated in the Vince Lombardi Golf Classic at North Hills Country Club in Menomonee for 25 years. In October 2011 Wayne Larrivee, the play-by-play WTMJ radio announcer for the Green Bay Packers and DuFour Advertising teamed up to market "And there Is Your Dagger!" apparel and gear to Packer fans. Larrivee's catchy phrase, ‘and there is your dagger' is now trademarked, copyrighted and available on sweatshirts, T-shirts, caps and more at "yourdagger.com" with a portion of the proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin. Tim was thrilled to be a part of this endeavor and said, "Being able to give back is a very important part of this whole endeavor with the kids as beneficiaries. Listeners can't help but stand up and yell - Wayne's enthusiasm is contagious." No matter what his success, the most important part of Tim's life was his family. He was a dedicated husband and father always bringing his love and humor with his "girls" - Kathryn, Emily and Taylor. He was very proud of the women his daughters, Emily and Taylor have become and relished his time with his son-in-law Jacob Vanderheyden and Taylor's boyfriend, Bryan Schmaling (his "boys"). Tim is survived by his wife Kathryn, his daughters Emily Vanderheyden and her husband Jacob, St. Paul, MN, and Taylor DuFour and her boyfriend, Bryan Schmaling, Chicago, IL, his mother Leola K. DuFour, Waukesha, WI, his brother Spencer (Virginia) DuFour Belgium, WI, and his sister Sharon (Jerry) Adelmeyer, Waukesha, WI, sister-in-law Judy (Bill) DuFour and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph P. DuFour, infant brother Joseph DuFour, brother, Bill DuFour and nephew Richard DuFour. In addition to his family Tim is survived by nearly the entire community of Sheboygan County. He touched and inspired so many people. His friendships were many, deep and long lasting. From his golfing friends to his fishing companions from Maiden Lake to Grand Cayman. He will even be missed no doubt by a few bands that he accompanied on his harmonicas! In an article celebrating the DuFour Agency's 30-year anniversary Tim was quoted as saying, "A particularly inspirational speech, for me, is by Jimmy Valvano, a coach for North Carolina State basketball - his team won the 1983 NCAA Championship. Jimmy contracted cancer and, just a month before he died in 1993, he gave a speech that rekindled my passion for what I do and motivated me to lead our company forward. The Jimmy V. Foundation for Cancer Research and I have adopted his motto: "Don't give up, don't EVER give up." His enthusiasm and passion to move forward is truly inspirational to do anything. That speech is on ‘YouTube'. Watch it you'll be moved - and inspired." His life and his death exemplified his strength of character and his determination - Tim NEVER EVER gave up. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14, 2014 starting at 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Zimmer's Westview Funeral & Cremation Care Center, W2132 Garton Road, Sheboygan (Hwy 42 and Cty Rd JJ). Friends may gather at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1019 N. 7th Street, Sheboygan on Saturday, November 15, for a Memorial Service at 1:00 PM. "Our clients continuously challenge us to exercise our creativity to its fullest. That's a challenge we will always welcome with great enthusiasm!" - Tim DuFour. Tim welcomed each day with enthusiasm - no matter the challenge. His smile, contagious laughter, and commitment to principles, values, friendship and family will be sadly missed. The family is establishing a scholarship fund to help art students follow their passion through education. In lieu of flowers, Tim's family asks that you contact Kathleen Hoffman at US Bank, Sheboygan, WI in regards to making a donation. The family is grateful to the caregivers at St. Nicholas Hospital and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin with a special thanks to Dr. Pat Marsho, Dr. David Haller and the village of surgeons, nurses, techs, aides, and Ron and Julia of the VNA.