Duane Kesler

1956 - 2017

Duane Kesler, age 60, of Hilbert, passed away on April 29, 2017 peacefully at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee.

Duane was born on August 26, 1956 in Appleton, son of the late Irvin and Eleanor "Ginny" (McMunn) Kesler. Duane lead an interesting life, not afraid to have a good time but never afraid to help anyone who needed. He was a true leader on many projects; using the God given skills he had learned from others and from the books and manuals he read. Many of the skills were learned from Irvin and Ginny, his parents, and then passed onto all who worked with him. He used some of the teaching methods of Mom and Dad which were hands on, Dad's favorite osmosis, or just holding the light where he wanted it! He was not afraid to take on projects others would not, but would carefully research before attempting. The park, as he called it, was a big beautification project that rehabilitated an abandoned lot to be a green space. He invested more of himself in others using his money and time, never worrying about receiving anything in return. Satisfaction of a job well done was his reward. Duane loved to read romance books as well as write poetry. A true romantic at heart, his relationships showed it. He also took up quilting and spent many hours sewing, finding fabrics and patterns, re-stitching sometimes because it just didn't look right. He taught while doing these beauties to all who would help cut squares, arrange blocks and even donating the the jeans for future quilts. Mom taught him well! Duane also had a love for tractors and machinery and collected some older units to play farm with. Once again, Dad's lesson of maintenance and care was practiced. He was always prepared for the next season, even to get his garden tractor worked on and ready in early March for the mowing season.

A person always knew where they stood with Duane, never being afraid to tell you what he thought. He was always honest and you always knew his opinion. He could be a taskmaster or a loving grandpa. Those who knew him always knew he wasn't afraid to show it. God has blessed us all in sharing Duane's life with all who interacted with him. We are better people for knowing and sharing in his life.

Survivors include his sons Adam and Justin Kesler; granddaughter: Aubrey; siblings: Roger Kesler, Dennis (Barb) Kesler, Joyce (Dan) School, Ginny (Harley) Wincentsen, Karen (Joe) Franczek, Donnie (Diane) Kesler, Janice (Bernie) Schmidt, Bobby (Lucy) Kesler, and Dean Kesler; other in-laws: Paul Ruhland and Jim Marois, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents Irvin and Ginny Kesler, sisters, Dianne Ruhland and Carol Marois, and infant brother Carl, and other relatives.

Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal.

Rest in peace Duane.

A memorial gathering will take place from 12:00 p.m. (NOON) until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at the Harrison Community Center, W5298 Highway 114 in Menasha, the corner of Highway 114 and State Park Road.

Online condolences may be made.