Duane G. Moder

Duane G. Moder passed away at home on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 with his wife, Joan, and four of their six children, by his side.  He is the son of Dorothy (Wilfuhr) and Jonathan Moder, born July 28, 1936, in New London, Wisconsin.

Duane attended St Mary’s Catholic School in Bear Creek, Wisconsin where he first met, Joan, the love of his life, in the seventh grade.  They later became high school sweethearts, graduating from Bear Creek High School in 1954.  Duane entered the Marine Corp after graduation, for two years of service, and during that time Duane and Joan joined their lives in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony on December 28, 1955 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Bear Creek.  After his service in the Marines Corp, Duane joined Joan in Illinois to begin their life together, and start their family.  While living in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, Duane worked for the A.C. Nielsen company for decades as document printing services manager before buying his own printshop.  He also worked part time for, then later purchased, the business MD Laboratories, where he printed iron on name labels for clothing in the basement of their home.  He also had a part time stint as a bar tender in a local bowling alley.  In 1980, with their three older children in adulthood, he purchased his own print shop, Valley Instant Printing, Inc., and he and Joan moved to Aurora, Illinois with their three younger children.  Once Duane and Joan retired, they eventually ended up moving back to Wisconsin.  

Duane enjoyed several interests throughout his life.  He earned his pilot's license, and flew Joan and their first three young children from Illinois to Wisconsin, as well as giving his mother an airplane ride while in Wisconsin.  He enjoyed both gun and bow hunting seasons.  Duane & Joan enjoyed motorcycle rides, going as far as Michigan.  Duane and Joan were involved in Worldwide Marriage Encounter, and enjoyed square dancing for awhile, too.  Duane enjoyed participating in activities at both of the Catholic parishes they belonged to.  At St. Emily's in Mt. Prospect, he was an usher as well as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  At St. Rita's in Aurora, Illinois, he was involved with the Knights of Columbus, and served as a 4th Degree Knight.  Also while in Aurora, Duane was a member of the National Quick Printers Association, the Aurora Turners Club, and was on the board of directors for the Burlington Northern Credit Union.  Duane found his greatest enjoyment in spending time with his children and grandchildren, as well as his extended family.

Duane is survived by Joan, his wife of 67 1/2 years. By his children: Duane (Christy) Moder, Linda Michael, Christine (Alan) Vidmar, Dennis (Kris) Moder and Julianne (Steve) Smith; and his daughter-in-law, Shari  Moder. By his grandchildren : Heather (Mike) Lonze, Mark Jr (Jenna) Moder, Brandon Moder, Dane Moder, Daniel Vidmar, Collin Michael, Stephanie Vidmar, Erik Michael, Roland (Sonya) Moder, MaryCatherine Moder, Nicholas Vidmar, Nolan (Courtney) Moder, Joanne  (Stevie) Mehalic, Arielle Michael, Michaela (Garrett) Day, Devin (Agnes ) Moder,  Noah (Maria) Smith, Miranda Smith, Isaiah Smith, and Joshua Smith.  Duane is also happy to have 17 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his step-sister, Micheline Meiers.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents, step-father Edward Rohde, brothers John Moder and Thomas Moder, sister, Dorothy Cowden, and step-sister Mary Desmond.  He is also predeceased by his son, Mark Moder, as well as by grandsons: Nathanial Cavalenes and Raymond Michael.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday August 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 600 E. Kimberly Avenue in Kimberly.

Visitation will be on Tuesday August 15, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Jansen Fargo Funeral Home of Kimberly. Visitation will continue on Wednesday morning from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery of Appleton.