Duane Meyers
Duane Herbert Meyers, age 80, of Colby, passed away at home in the arms of his loving wife, Marilyn, on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023.
Duane was born on October 25, 1943, the first child of Herbert Jr. and Lenore (Boss) Meyers in Owen. Raised on the family farm in the town of Green Grove, Duane attended elementary school at Woodland Grade School and graduated from Colby High School. He furthered his education by graduating from the Bailey Technical School in St. Louis, Mo., and also received an Associate degree from UW-Marshfield.
After his education, Duane met his lifelong mate at a Boomtown snowmobile race in Curtiss. A couple years later on February 10, 1969, he married Marilyn Kangas in West Bend. He joined the National Guard and served for six years with the 724th Engineer Battalion.
Duane worked as a heavy diesel mechanic at various shops, including a time as head mechanic at Lonsberg Trucking. While raising his family with Marilyn, Duane continued his education and received a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts from UWPlatteville and a Master’s program from UW-Superior.
A master of many trades, Duane’s advice and help was sought by many. He was always willing to give this freely. A highlight of his life included transforming his childhood recreational land to a place where he and Marilyn would raise their family, building shops as well as designing and building a home on his own with the help of his wife and children.
Duane lived a long, full life. His interests in life were many from cars to truck-pulling, he could make something out of nothing with all of his skills. In his later years, Duane logged many hours with his McDonald’s breakfast friends. His physical ability was limited after an accident, severe stroke and a bout with cancer, though he never let it stop him from his interests and it strengthened his faith in the Lord. Above all, Duane had immense pride for the family that he and Marilyn created. He enjoyed every moment spent with his wife, family and friends and his canine companion, Elvis.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Marilyn; five children: Ron (Heather) of New Prague, Minn., Aaron (Sara) of Wausau, Darin (Dawn) of Gordon, Troy (Jaimie) Meyers of Victoria, Minn., and Michelle (Ryan) Boller of Abbotsford; nine grandchildren: Annika, Aracelli, Trenton, Abbey, Zachary, Camryn, Addison Meyers, Kaylee and Chase Boller.
He is further survived by a sister, Jeanne Winkler, Suamico, a brother, Kenneth (Kristi) Meyers, LaVergne, Tenn., one sister-in-law, Patricia, Colby, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Keith, Robert and Willard Meyers, a brother-in-law, Dennis Winkler, two sisters-in-law: Kathy and Mary Meyers, and a niece, Andrea Winkler.
A private family graveside service will take place at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Colby. Pastor Don Bruce will preside at the service. Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society assisted the family.
Paid obituary 146791
