Duane Schroeder, 96, passed away on January 25, 2025 at Northwestern Hospital in DeKalb, IL. He was born on June 29, 1928  in Shawano, Wisconsin to parents Elmer and Laura (Mitchell). Duane was deeply connected with his wife Marion (Koch) for 60 years until her passing in 2015.

Duane was raised in Shawano, and left at the age of 18 to join the Army-Air Force where he served  from 1946 to 1949, and was deployed as part of the post-war U.S. forces in the Philippines.  He attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering.  His career was almost solely spent with Honeywell Inc. where he worked for 37 years in various engineering and management positions, retiring as a regional construction manager.

He was very active in his local community over his life including serving on the YMCA Board (Beaver Dam, WI) and the Lions Club (Sycamore, IL).  In retirement he loved to golf, joined a wood carving club, played pickle ball at the Y, and joined in weekly Euchre games at the community center.  He was a life-long Packer fan, but his heart was mostly with his Wisconsin Badgers through thick and thin.

He was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend to all he touched and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Duane is survived by his children Louise (Randy) Willrett, Steve (Dolores) Schroeder, and Jean (Karl) Deptolla; his grandchildren Heidi Carlson, Geoffery Richey, Adeline Holter, Hillary Linden, Prudence Goss, Jake Willrett, Lucas Schroeder, Abby Schroeder, Erik Osterby, Aidan Osterby, Gwyneth Osterby, and Sean Osterby; and 13 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Faranda’s Banquets at 302 Grove St, DeKalb, Il on Sunday, February 2.  Visitation is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a service and lunch to immediately follow.

Memorials can be made to the Lions Club of Sycamore, IL and sent to Anderson Funeral Home at 2011 S. 4th Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.