Duane Simmons

Duane Simmons, 76, Wausau, died Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at the Mayo Clinic Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Duane was born September 28, 1932 in Saginaw, MI to the late Pete and Mary (Landman) Simmons. The family moved to Alma, MI where Duane graduated High School in 1950 and met the love of his life, JoAnne Marie Bragg. The couple was married on July 5, 1952 in Alma, MI. Duane had joined the Air Force in 1951 and served for four years, including a tour in Korea in 1952-53. Duane and JoAnne were blessed with four children; Gregory Peter, Mitchell Paul, Joseph Duane and Paula Jo. They celebrated fifty-six wonderful years together prior to Duane’s death.

After serving his country, Duane attended Ferris State College earning a BS degree in business and majoring in accounting in 1960. He began his working career in 1960 as an accountant for Michigan Carton Co. in Battle Creek, MI. Duane worked there for five years before moving the family to Mosinee where he began work at Mosinee Paper Co. as a Purchasing Agent and retired from there in 1992 from the position of General Manager of the Mosinee Pulp and Paper Division. Duane always had concern and interest for his fellow colleagues.

As successful as he was in business, Duane was even more successful as a father. He helped raise his four children, instilling the values that had served him well over the years. Throughout the years, Duane was active in community activities and was a member of the American Legion, Kiwanis, Elks and past president of the Mosinee Lions Club. He was active in the Mosinee Lutheran Church and taught Sunday School and was church treasurer for a time. Duane was also a great fan of High School wrestling, and followed all of his boys thru this sport. Some of the happiest times were spent at the family’s cottage in Minocqua on Squirrel Lake Island. In his free time, he loved to go fishing, work in the yard, and most of all spend time with his family, especially his ten grandchildren.

Duane is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnne of Wausau; sons, Greg (Viki) Simmons, Mitch Simmons, and Joe (Tonia) Simmons; daughter, Paula Simmons-Kostuck; sisters, Dolores (Larry) Houghten and Donna (William) Brown; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He is preceded in death by his brother, Kenny Simmons.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Monday, October 27, 2008 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau. Pastor Dennis Prazuch will be officiating. Visitation will be 4-7:00 PM, Sunday, October 26, 2008 at Helke Funeral Home and resuming at 10:00 AM on Monday until the time of services. Military rites will be performed by American Legion Post No. 10.  You may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com .

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family who will be setting up a memorial with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Duane’s memory.