Photo courtesy of Merritt Funeral Home
Mendota, Illinois
Jul 21, 1948 – Nov 5, 2023 (Age 75)
Duane G. Kaiser, 75, of Mendota, passed away, Sunday, November 5, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Services will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Jeff Schlesinger officiating. Burial will be in Restland Cemetery, Mendota with military honors by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 29, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home.
Duane was born July 21, 1948, in Mendota to Wilbert and Henrietta (Politsch) Kaiser. He married Kathleen Topel on Febuary 15, 1969 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
Duane was a graduate of Mendota High School where he was active in everything FFA. He was born to farm and loved everything about animals from very early in life. He joined the Army Reserves out of High School so he could remain active on the family farm with his Dad. Duane also became part of the area township roads beside his father for 25 years. Duane completed the term of Arnold Kaiser after his passing in 1993 and then held office of Road Commissioner for 28 years before his retirement in 2020. When he wasn’t farming, working with his cattle or tending to the roads for the township, you could find him pulling tractors at any local Tractor Pull; proudly driving his favorite Minneapolis Molines. Duane was a lifelong member of the Illinois Farm Bureau and Immanuel Lutheran Church of Compton IL.
Duane is survived by his wife Kathleen of 54 years; his son Dan (Nicole) Kaiser of Mendota; his daughter Rebecca (Marc) Bond of Mendota; his sister Margaret (Dwight) Frick of Mendota, two grandsons Jacob Swope and Kevin Swope, several nieces and nephews, their families and many other close relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law David Wapp, brother-in-law Wes Blackwell and sister-in-law Margee (Topel) Manecke.
Memorials may be directed to the Family or the Mendota VFW Post 4079.
Got to visit with Duane at the Sublette Tractor Pull when I was helping his grandson start the old Minne. Remember seeing him over the years at all the local pulls since my childhood. Our condolences to the family.
Maurice & Sue Zimmerlein
November 13, 2023 | Sublette, IL
Dear Kathy & Family & Duane's Friends,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your comfort.
With good memories from Bob & Cyndy Gast Kreiser
Robert & Cynthia Kreiser
November 13, 2023 | MENDOTA, IL | Acquaintance
Sorry to hear of your loss. Duane was a really. nice guy. He will be missed by many friends and family. May he
“Rest in Peace”
George and Ruth Wixom
November 12, 2023 | Mendota, IL | Friend
Thinking of you in your time of loss, Kathy, Rebecca, and Dan.
Evie Brien-Wells
November 11, 2023 | Hitchcock, TX | Friend
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Such a good son, husband, father, grandpa, friend. He will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers to all of the family.
May Duane Rest In Peace
in his Heavenly Fathers Arms...
Sherry / Mike Kuntzi
November 08, 2023 | Mendota, IL | Friend
((Hugs)) I really truly liked Duane so much :) He truly put a smile on my face every single time I saw him. A really great guy and just so sad to hear he passed. My sincerest condolences to all of his friends and family membersRIP Duane
Shallen Gross
November 07, 2023 | Mendota, IL | Friend
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Jim Wade
November 07, 2023 | Mendota, IL | Classmate
