Duane Schmudlach

Duane Arnold Schmudlach June 20, 1937-January 4, 2024 Duane was the second child born to his parents, Frank Schmudlach and Esther (Zahn) Schmudlach at their home in the Town of Poy Sippi on June 20, 1937. Duane passed away on January 4, 2024, at the age of 86, at Juliette Manor, with pneumonia and kidney failure. He graduated from Berlin High School in 1955. He then attended UW Oshkosh to obtain a Liberal Arts Degree. On September 12, 1956 he enlisted in the United States Army. While on active duty he became a PFC in the Airborne Unit as a parachutist. He spoke often of jumping out of airplanes because it gave him one extra dollar per month. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. After his release from active duty on June 19, 1958, he remained in the Army Reserves until June 10, 1962. Duane married the love of his life, Caroline Tesch on April 11, 1959. They shared 64 years of marriage. They had five children. He grew up on a farm and continued to have the love of farming all his life. Duane also worked at Olsen’s Mill, Morgan Doors, Lawent Iron and Metal, Don Wagner’s Auction Service, and also on Don Wagner’s farm. Duane had a love for tractor and truck pulling and was a proud member of D & J Pulling Team. He won many trophies with his red 1969 Dodge 4 X 4 truck. He enjoyed all of his family and looked forward to seeing his grandchildren. Duane had fun gardening, auctions, building things, going to the casino, going for rides, and spending time with “mother”. He was good at acting off to make people laugh. Duane is survived by his wife, Caroline; four daughters, Yvonne (Tom) Wustrack, Cindy (Sam) Wilson, Michele (Darryl) Betro, Kathy (Doug) Wiese; and one son, Michael (Jill) Schmudlach; twelve grandchildren, James (Amy) Schilder, Candi (Jeremy) Johnson, Jonathon (Jenny) Schilder, Brian Wilson, Bailey (Isaac) Trzebiatowski, Bethany Betro, Bryson Betro, Karisa Wiese, Kody Wiese, Teagan, Larschied, Sierra (Fiancé Brad Jones) Schmudlach, and Conner Schmudlach. He is further survived by eight great-grandchildren, Preston, Ryker, Harrison, Jessa, Jace, Leo, Sophie and Walter; a special nephew, Randy (Sue) Tesch; many other nieces, nephews, brother and sisters-in-law; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Walter (Marilyn) Schmudlach, sister, Ramona (Wilber) Tesch; granddaughter, Lisa Wilson; and grandson, Ben Betro. The family would like to thank the staff of Juliette Manor for their wonderful care and letting Duane into their hearts.

Duane Schmudlach

June 20, 1937 - January 4, 2024