Duane J. Kerscher Sr.

1930 - 2022

Duane J. Kerscher, Sr., D.O.

01/08/1930 - 10/29/2022

Dr. Duane Joseph Kerscher, of Monclova and Maumee, passed away of natural causes on October 29, 2022. On January 8, 1930, he was the first boy to be born in the then-new Toledo Hospital to Cletus and Lucille (Limpach) Kerscher.

Duane was kind, generous, and a well-known and loved physician, practicing at the Maumee Clinic on the Anthony Wayne Trail and Williams Street for nearly four decades with partner physicians Jack Williams, Leighton Webber, and Bert Block. Duane was also a doctor on staff at St. Luke's Hospital, Flower Hospital, St. Vincent's Hospital, and Parkview Hospital, serving as Chief of Staff at Parkview Hospital for a time.

Duane graduated from Monclova High School (1948), The Ohio State University (Bachelor's 1952 and Master's 1953), and the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (1957). He was an Eagle Scout, high school valedictorian, and for four years was a proud member of "The Best Damn Band In The Land", The Ohio State University Marching Band, making two train trips to Pasadena, California, playing the French Horn and marching in the Rose Bowl Parade and on the Rose Bowl Field on game day. Fraternity memberships included Kappa Kappa, Theta Xi, and The Atlas Club.

Duane also served as President of the Maumee Rotary Club (1969-1970), President of the Ohio Osteopathic Association (1982-1983), and in 2004 was recognized by the Ohio House of Representatives as a Home Town Hero of Maumee.

Duane decided to go into medicine, out of a desire to help people, after his sister, Joan, died from cancer at a young age. Affectionately known as "Doc," Duane had a great "bedside manner" and dedication to his patients, delivering many babies, making house-calls, and riding his snowmobile to St. Luke's Hospital to see his patients during the "Blizzard of '78". Always interested in new ways to treat his patients, in the 1970's, Duane was one of the first physicians in the Toledo area to be trained in acupuncture and to use it in his practice. For many years, Duane was also doctor to the rock stars, treating touring performers at the Toledo Sports Arena, Savage Hall, and the Stranahan Theater.

Duane had a passion for life. At a young age, he learned about hard work and entrepreneurship with his father, by growing and selling popcorn from one of the very first concession stands at the Lucas County Fair. He was also a three-sport high school athlete and enjoyed illustration and painting. While practicing as a physician, Duane also pursued other business ventures, including opening a "Lum's" family restaurant on Laskey Road in Toledo, with two partners. Duane, along with his wife "Wini," also took great pride in their family, raising four children, and passing along Duane's kindness, unbridled optimism, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Duane always loved the outdoors and being active â€" whether it was playing tennis, racquetball, sailing on Lake Erie, fishing, riding the family's Quarter Horses, playing Cribbage or Euchre, or traveling to explore new places like the UK, Aruba and the Peruvian Amazon.

Duane was preceded in death by his wife, Winnifred (Spohn); his parents; and his sister, Joan Ruth Kerscher. Duane's caring and jovial spirit will be deeply missed by his children, Duane J. Jr. (Susie), David (Cindie), Jeffrey (Micaela) and Lisa (David Williams); grandchildren, Will, Justin (Deborah Sperry), Ben (Kris), Jordan (Kelsey) and Claire (Dalen); step-grandchildren, Kelly, Destiny (Allen), Tina, and Josh (Chelsea); 1 great-granddaughter; and 6 step-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, November 18, 2022, at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant St., Maumee. Prayers will begin in the funeral home on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. followed by the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 104 W. Broadway St., in Maumee. Interment, St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or The Monclova Historical Society. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.

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