Duane Clemmens

Duane S. Clemmens age 78, of Elk Mound, WI died on Thursday, January 25 at MCHS-Eau Claire. His work on earth was done and he passed peacefully to his heavenly home with Jesus.

He was born May 28, 1945 in Baldwin, WI to Stanley and Anna (Jensen) Clemmens. He grew up in Emerald Township until moving to Menomonie in 1957. He went to school at East Elementary and Menomonie High School. In the summers he stayed with his older sisters and worked on their farms, honing his passion for farming at a young age.

Duane married Anita Keck on March 14, 1964 at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie. They started their lives together working for the late LaVerne and Bev Ausman at Melody Pines Farm, Elk Mound, WI who were strong influences in their lives and instilled strong faith, family and work ethic…in that order. The entire Ausman family continues to hold a very dear place in the hearts of his family.

In 1975 Duane moved his family to Knapp, WI and owned/operated their dairy farm until 1985 when he went back to work at Melody Pines Farm. In the following years, he operated D&S Hoof Trimming and Trucking. In 2001, he went back into farming after the trimming business had taken a physical toll on his body; he retired in 2013.

After retirement, he needed to fill his time. He loved to work and didn't like to sit around so he went to work part time at Menomonie Transportation. He had the pleasure of driving bus for his great-granddaughters and loved every second of it. He looked forward to the camaraderie at the bus barn that helped fill his days. He was an avid fan of country music, listening and singing along word for word, attending Country Fest in Cadott for many years with his family. He enjoyed watching sports, including all of the Wisconsin teams; Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, and his very favorite was the Green Bay Packers. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.

Duane is survived by his wife Anita of Elk Mound; his children Edie (Mike) Litzkow, Linda O'Mara, Shawn Clemmens, and Tracy Clemmens; grandchildren Heather (Jason) Micek, Nikki (Eric) Shervey, Cole Litzkow (Adrianna Harrison), Zane Clemmens (Jaden Czysz), and Bradlee Clemmens; great-grandchildren Adalyn, Keatyn, Kaidyn and Cal Cooper Micek, Jack, Drew, and Reid Shervey, Averie and Natalie Litzkow. He is further survived by one brother and three sisters, Richard (Elaine), Marlene Hurtgen, Judy (Marlin) Severson, and Cindy Langland (Jerry Link); sister-in-law JoAnn (James) Utphall; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Anna, infant sister Linda, sisters and brothers-in-law Betty (Joe) Hurtgen, Mary (Ernie) Kiekhoefer and brothers-in-law Brian Hurtgen and Jim Langland, mother and father-in-law Ralph (Esther) Keck, and brother and sister-in-law Edward "Eddie" (Jean) Keck.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 10 at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in Elk Mound with Pastor Ron Gerl officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. Private burial services will be held in the spring at Mamre Cemetery. Join us in casual dress in your favorite sports attire.

Olson Funeral Home of Menomonie is serving the family.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at olsonfuneral.com.