Duane G. Deml

With great love, comes great sadness. It is with this sadness that the family of Duane G. Deml announces his passing on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the age of 71. After an 18-month battle with cancer, he passed peacefully at his home surrounded by family.

The fourth oldest of 10 children, Duane was born April 5, 1953, in La Crosse to Norman and Janice (Stange) Deml. He met the joy of his life, Ruth Harter, at age 16 while working at the Bodega Cafeteria in downtown La Crosse. Their love was instant and unwavering. Married on May 26, 1973, they shared more than 51 fulfilling years of marriage and were further blessed with 3 children and 9 grandchildren.

Military service was important to Duane and at age 17, between his junior and senior year of high school, Duane completed basic training at Great Lakes Naval Academy. After high school, he was stationed in San Diego. An Honorary Medical Discharge due to kidney issues ended Duane’s military career early. He then attended Western Wisconsin Technical Institute (now Western) for HVAC, a choice that would greatly impact his life. His hard work paid off and a few years into his career, he and Ruth took a leap of faith and Duane started D & L Controls out of his home. He sold D & L Controls in 1999 with a desire to retire early. Realizing soon after he was not quite ready to retire, he began again with Deml Controls where he completed his successful career. He officially retired in January of this year.

His Case tractor and completing projects around the house and yard brought Duane much satisfaction. He also loved working on and driving his classic cars over the years and was an enthusiastic Packer fan. Duane had many long-time friends and numerous good times were spent with them including traveling, bowling, camping, hiking, Saturday morning coffee, celebrations and so much more. He and Ruth enjoyed welcoming family and friends whole-heartedly to gather at their home on many occasions and holidays. Never the singer, singing with the Giving Hearts Choir in the last few years filled Duane with a sense of gratification.

Raising his family in faith was important to Duane. His commitment to church and his faith in God never faltered. A dedicated, long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Duane served in several different roles over the years. Duane put others before himself and he was there whenever and wherever there was a need whether it be physically, spiritually or just some good advice. His guidance to family and friends was not only given in words, but also in his actions. He truly lived the life he believed.

Duane adored his family and his laughter and excitement echoed throughout every family gathering. His eyes would light up with pride over the smallest accomplishment of any of his family. Sometimes a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes. He would do just about anything for anyone but especially for those he loved most, his family. It is impossible to list all the ways he loved us, but some favorite family activities include going for ice cream at the Sweet Shop, picnics and walks in the park, camping trips, riding on the UTV, walking by the creek in the backyard, sledding, shoveling and making snowmen with his children and so much more.

Duane had a full life and will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Ruth, and his 3 children, Rachel (Jesse) Gilbertson, Sarah (Jon) Mumm and Luke (Ashley) and his 9 grandchildren, Zeb, Zac, Addie, Rosie, Lilly Mumm, Elena Gilbertson, and Annalise, Sophia and Stella Deml. Duane is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Gary, Cheryl (Dan) Dahle, Steve (Anita), Jackie (Richard) Brown, Norman Jr., Dan, Tammy (Tom) Wetzel, Todd (Kathy) and Paul (Lisa). He is further survived by brothers and sisters-in-law Carol (Tom) Johnson, Barbara (Dave) Breidel, David (Julie) Harter, Bonnie (Grant) Johnson, Gary (Sharon) Harter, Susie (Mike) Titter, Chris (Tom) Brown and Rob (Kelly) Harter as well as many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Norman and Janice Deml, father and mother-in-law Lloyd and Clara Harter, sisters-in-law Alice Harter and Cheryl Deml, niece Sheila Titter and nephew Alexander Lloyd Harter.

Many thanks to all the Gundersen/Emplify Medical Center doctors, nurses, hospice staff and all who cared for Duane during his battle with cancer. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Ojelabi in Oncology and Dr. Mary Morris in Palliative Care.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1201 Avon Street, La Crosse. A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday evening at Schumacker-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse and one hour prior to services at the church. There will be time of sharing for friends and family from 6:30 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday at the funeral home. There will also be a Celebration of Duane’s Life from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Fox Hollow Banquet Hall in West Salem, WI.

Duane was strong and a comfort to his family until the end, saying, “don’t worry about me, I’m going to Heaven.” We know this to be true and take comfort knowing someday we will be eternally reunited in Heaven.