Meyer, Duane J. "Duke"

MADISON-Duane J. "Duke" Meyer, age 85, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2010. He was born on May 18, 1924, in Reedsburg, the son of Ivan and Ruth Meyer. Duke lived there until 1936, when his parents moved to Madison. Duke graduated from Madison East High School in 1942 and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served during World War II in the South Pacific Rim. On his return, in 1946, he chose to enter into the sheet metal apprenticeship program, and this became his lifetime career. It spanned over 60 years and encompassed many different roles, including president for nine years, board of trustees, secretary, and chairman. Duke was inducted into the WI Sheet Metal Hall of Fame in 1999 and the International Hall of Fame in 2000. He worked for the Carl H. Behrnd Company, which later became B&T Mechanical, where he specialized in stainless steel. After retiring from B&T Mechanical, Duke accepted a position as apprenticeship coordinator with the Madison and Janesville branches. He spent countless hours as a mentor for many young persons advising and assisting students of all ages, encouraging minorities and women to seek a future in the Sheet Metal Union. For over 40 years his free time was spent in Muscoda tending to and enjoying the "cottage," and as a very active player and manager in the Madison area Fast Pitch Softball circles. Duke played for Eagles Club, Bee’s Tavern, Lake Mills Merchants, Frankie’s Tavern, Rendezvous’, Trigs Bar, Rowley-Schlimgen, and Kounty Corners. He will be remembered by his family, friends, and co-workers as a kind, loving person, who was always there to give support, knowledge, and sometimes just a big smile and hug. Duke is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Greta (Fauerbach); children, Thomas Meyer of Madison, Richard Meyer of Lodi, Terry (Patricia) Meyer of Madison, William (Elizabeth) Irvin of Fitchburg, Laura (John) reindl of Orchard Park, N.Y. , and Nancy Buhler of Madison; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one niece; and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth E. (Christie) Meyer, and father, Ivan E. "Ike" Meyer; sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Noralf "Norrie" Swennes of Horseshoe Bay, Tex.; and daughter, Laura L. Irvin of Madison. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 7, 2010, with the Rev. Ben Johnston-Krase officiating. Military rites will follow. Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday at the funeral home. Private inurnment will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. The family gives a special thanks to the Emerald Team - HospiceCare for the loving care given to our husband and father, the support and respect we were given, and to the staff at City View Care Center for the compassion and love given by them.