Duan Liu

Duan Liu obituary, Chicago, IL

Duan Liu

Duan Liu Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Michael Coletta Sons Funeral Home, Ltd. on Apr. 10, 2025.

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Funeral Service Program
Visitation
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Guests are invited to gather, visit, and pay their respects.
A slideshow of Duan's life will be shown continuously, honoring his journey and cherished
memories.
Musical selections include:
- How Beautiful Heaven Must Be
- Path to Success
- Close to Home
- The Eastern Gate
Funeral Service
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Processional
The family enters and is seated as the service begins.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
By: Ke Liu
A warm welcome and reflection on Duan's life, character, and legacy.
Eulogy
By: Ke Liu
A tribute to Duan's journey-from his beginnings in China to his remarkable career,
relationships, and life in the U.S.
Reflections from Family & Friends
Brief tributes and shared memories from family friends and guest speakers from work,
highlighting Duan's impact both personally and professionally.
Moment of Silence
A quiet time for personal reflection and remembrance.
Closing Remarks & Acknowledgments
By: Ke Liu
Final reflections and words of gratitude on behalf of the family.
Recessional
Guests are invited to exit quietly in reflection as music plays.
Tribute to Duan (English)
Duan was born on June 23, 1963, in Xi'an, China, to Jianjun Liu and Licun Mao. From a young
age, he showed remarkable intelligence, discipline, and a deep love of learning. He
completed his elementary school education at Northwest University Affiliated Elementary
School and attended middle and high school at Northwest University
Affiliated High School both located in his hometown of Xi'an.
In 1981, Duan was accepted into the Beijing Institute of Technology where
he majored in Applied Mechanics He completed both his undergraduate and
graduate studies there by 1988. After graduation, he remained at the university as a fellow,
contributing to research and teaching.
In 1993, Duan came to the United States on a full scholarship to pursue a Master's degree in
Computer Science at the University of Illinois Chicago, which he earned in May 1995.
He began his professional career at Masterchart in Illinois, and in 2000, he joined
Morningstar, where he worked for 25 years in multiple roles as both an individual
contributor and team lead.
In the summer of 2002, Duan married UCheng Lei, lovingly known as Maggie Lei. Though
they did not have children, their relationship was filled with love and unwavering support.
Not long after their marriage, Duan was diagnosed with cancer. He battled bravely and
became a 21-year cancer survivor, never allowing illness to define him. He remained active
in his work and lived life fully and gratefully.
Duan loved traveling, cooking, and enjoying all different kinds of sports games. He will be
remembered for his calm demeanor, kindness, integrity, and quiet strength. His journey was
one of perseverance, wisdom, and grace. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who
knew and loved him.

Masterchart
Morningstar

UCheng Lei Maggie Lei

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1 Entry

Julie Herron Wilkes

April 17, 2025

I worked with Duan years ago during my tenure at Morningstar. He was smart, quick witted and a great coworker. His bravery in navigating his cancer illness years ago was admirable and he remained positive even in the face of those challenges. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Julie Wilkes

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Michael Coletta Sons Funeral Home, Ltd.

544 West 31st Street, Chicago, IL 60616

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