Duane Earl Wilson

1927 - 2018

OBITUARY Duane Earl Wilson, 1927-2018, passed away on Aug. 22 at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Ottawa, IL. Born Jan 24, 1927 in Asher, OK, Duane received a Master's Degree in Accounting at Oklahoma State University in 1950 and married Frances Pennington (Haskel, OK) that same summer and they spent 51 years together. Duane retired from his career with Amoco Oil Company as Vice President, Finance for Amoco Europe. After becoming the International President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of The International Institute of Internal Auditors, Duane spent 5 years on the Executive Committee of the IIA. Afterwards, he became the Chairman of the Board of Regents, tasked with developing a certification program and exam so that now there are tens of thousands of Certified Internal Auditors around the world. Naperville was the Wilson's home for 35 years where they enjoyed a busy social life. Their appreciation of American history inspired them to be among the founding members of the Naperville Heritage Society in 1969. Duane served many years in the Society's administration as Treasurer and on the Board of Directors, in addition to volunteering untold hours helping to create Naper Settlement. Plans for the Naperville Riverwalk were begun under Duane's leadership as Chairman of the Sesquicentiennial Celebration Committee in 1979. An Amoco transfer to London cut short his time on that committee, but we celebrate the fact that the 2 centerpieces of Naperville, Naperville Settlement and the Riverwalk, were both created with his leadership and guidance. Duane served 28 years on the Finance Committee at Naperville's Edward Hospital, spearheading financing to build the hospital's 5-story patient facility and a fitness center, helping the hospital grow into a world-class facility. Duane loved attending Chicago Symphony and the Lyric Opera. He was an avid genealogist, publishing 6 books on his daughter's ancestry. He took pride in his own autobiography, written while in his 80's. Duane is survived by his only child, Amy Wilson (Ernest) Cavaness of Marseilles, IL, 4 grandsons: Ryan Opalk of Bloomington, IL, Dean Opalk of Marseilles, Taylor (Brittany Humenick) Opalk of Normal, IL and Kyle (Lauren Sereno) Opalk of Lisle, IL. He is also survived by one sister, Reta Thomas of Albuquerque, and nephews Greg (Martha) Thomas of Arizona and Stan (Carrie) Thomas of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother in infancy (Dwight Ernest), his wife, Frances, and 1 nephew, Jeffery Thomas. A celebration of the life of Duane Wilson will be held in the Tavern at the Preemption House at Naper Settlement on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 from 4-6 pm. Memorial donations may be made in Duane Wilson's name to Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St, Naperville, IL 60540