Duane Zeuske

Duane Ardis Zeuske, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Christmas evening. Duane was born in Navarino, Wi, on November 23, 1927, son of the late Max and Ethel (Hanson) Zeuske. When Duane met his future wife, Mabel Fischer, he knew it was love after the first dance. They would marry on June 21, 1947 at the Ascension Lutheran Church. They shared 71 years of marriage before she passed in October of this year.

Duane started work as a state certified welder at Allis Chalmers and finished his career as the supervisor of road construction at Badger Highways. In his younger days, he and Mabel enjoyed being part of the “bowling gang” and always looked forward to celebrating New Year’s Eve with them. Duane was an avid sportsman; taking fishing trips to Canada and deer hunting on the family farm with his brothers and nephews. In his retirement, Duane proudly made custom boat covers. He also taught himself to smoke turkeys, smoking up to 80 birds for Christmas. Duane could fix anything and was described by his daughters as “a master of all trades”. Throughout the years Duane kept his wittiness and sense of humor.

Duane is survived by his daughters: Barbara (David) Hardy, Brenda (John) Valaskey, Betty (Bill) Peterson, and Bev (friend Paul) Verkuilen. He is further survived by his beloved grandchildren: Mike (Liz) Hardy, Ken and Matt Valaskey, Lauren and Angie Peterson, and James (Jamey) and Elizabeth Verkuilen: and his great grandchildren: Caleb, Chase, Ophelia, Elias, and Anthony. He is also survived by his sister: Joyce Geiger; brother: Gene Zeuske; and sister-in-law: Phyllis Christianson. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Don (Judy) Zeuske, and Dennis (Dorothy) Zeuske; his sisters-in-law: Delores (Frank) Radeske, Laura (Pete) Figlinski, and Dorothy (Harry) Jankowski; brother-in-law: Russell Geiger; as well as sister-in-law: Vi Zeuske.

The funeral services for Duane will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, at RIVERVIEW EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 136 West Seymour St, Appleton, with Rev. Dennis Belter officiating. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment at the Ascension Lutheran Church cemetery will be held at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Duane’s name.

Duane’s family would like to thank Heartland Home Health Care as well as Dr. Cronkite and his staff at the Thedacare Cancer Center for their excellent care.

We love you and you will always be in our hearts!