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BORN
1953
DIED
2024
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Duane Hem Obituary
Died: March 10, 2024 in Naperville, IL
Duane Dallas Hem, age 70, of Montgomery, IL, peacefully passed away at AccentCare Hospice in Naperville, IL on Sunday, March 10, 2024 following an all-too-brief battle with glioblastoma. He was surrounded by the comforting presence and love of his family.
Duane, known by his close friends and family as "Duy" or "Du," was born September 1, 1953 in Aurora, IL, the son of Oliver and Arlene (Lehman) Hem. He grew up in Oswego on the fifth-generation Hem family farm, founded in 1843. After high school graduation, Duane went on to work as a train conductor for BNSF Railway and retired 31 years later.
Above all, Duane was a devoted husband to Dawn and a loving father to Heidi (Greg Hanselman) Hem, Dr. Derek (Morgan) Hem, and Chad (Marisa) Gullickson. He was a proud grandfather to Ashton, Reese, Ethan, Maren, Emma and Carter, and a beloved brother of Arlynn (Dr. Henri) Manasse and Ronald (Janet) Hem. He was also survived by his mother-in-law Delores Bay and sister-in-law Terri Krause. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Duane and Dawn enjoyed spending time together with family, fishing, taking annual trips to Ludington, MI, and traveling the backroads of the continental U.S. Duane treasured his children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, and embraced his moments with them. He enjoyed the small things in life: making delicious meals for his family, cheering for the White Sox and Fighting Illini, watching Andy Griffith, listening to classic rock, and emphatically competing in nightly Jeopardy.
Duane was known as "the life of the party." He brought joy to every occasion with his bright smile and charismatic personality. All those who loved him will never forget his selflessness, compassion, and humor. He will be greatly missed, but his spirit will live on in the laughter and love he left behind.
His family extends their heartfelt gratitude for all of the support given during this difficult time. A memorial visitation will be held Friday, March 22 between the hours of 1:30-4:30 PM, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life from 4:30- 5:30 PM at DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 S. Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Nervous System Tumor Bank Brain & Spinal Cord Donation Program to further research for glioblastoma using the following webpage: Give to the Northwestern University Nervous System Tumor Bank
Give to the Northwestern University Nervous System Tumor Bank
For information: 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Duane Hem
Sponsored by Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory.
Patricia Brye Warner
March 20, 2024
Dear family and friends of Duane I am saddened to hear of his passing and am sending my sincere condolences. I haven´t seen Duane for many years but remember how delightful and how much I enjoyed his humor. When living in Ludington I always looked forward to visit with the lovable Hem family at our family reunions. Life is too shorter. Rest in Peace dear Duane.
Ron Hinton
March 18, 2024
Sending our condolences to Duane´s family. Ron and Duane worked together on the BNSF for many years. He was a good guy and will be missed by many.
Sincerely, Ron and Char Hinton
Tom and Carol Bernett
March 16, 2024
My dearest cousin, I am truly sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there to help you through this. Duane was very special. Please know that we have you in our prayers. Love, Tom(Bernie) and cousin Carol Bernett
Ron Mathers
March 15, 2024
Dawn and Family,
We are so very heartbroken to learn of Duane's passing. He and I were close friends through our childhood. He was always a happy person and fun to be around. Our friendship continued into our adult lives, but as is often the case, we missed getting together as our lives journeyed across the miles in different directions. I have always considered Duane a close friend, and although years have passed since we last saw one another, I could pick up the phone and it was like no time had passed. This is not goodbye, but until we meet again my friend.
With sincere love and condolences,
Ron and Cindy Mathers
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Linda White
March 15, 2024
Roy and I used to always enjoy Duane´s company at the many soccer games we attended together. Roy and Duane had a lot in common. He was a fun guy!!!
You have my condolences.
BRUCE THOMPSON
March 15, 2024
Sad to hear of fellow class members passing. Condolences to the Hem family and also to Connie. RIP Duane, we will all see you soon.
Mark and Debbie Brolley
March 14, 2024
Duane´s smile, charm and razor-sharp wit will be with me forever. He will be dearly missed!
Dr. Michael Tierney
March 11, 2024
Duane was always a pleasure to be around. At the office, he relaxed us more than we could comfort him. He made us smile! I have thought of him many times since my retirement. I miss him.
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Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory1801 S. Douglas Road P.O. Box 665, Oswego, IL 60543
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