Duane Russell Thielbar
April 02, 1936 - November 26, 2018
Obituary
MADISON-Duane R. Thielbar, age 82, went to his Heavenly home, on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, after several years of having congestive heart failure and other health issues. He was born on April 2, 1936, in Cable, Wis., the son of William and Emma (Gilsdorf) Thielbar. Duane graduated from Drummond School in 1954 and served in the U.S. National Guard for 10 years. On Sept. 5, 1959, he married Elsie Krenn at the Alliance Church in Cable. They were married 59 years and raised six children, Mari Mueller (Sam), Tom (Lori) Thielbar, Tari Lunda, Tim (Erica) Thielbar, Todd (Teresa) Thielbar, and Melanie (Erick) Barka. They had 15 grandchildren, Nicole (Craig) Vesely, Jenny Adams (Jon), Tom Thielbar Jr., Kayla Wade, Scott, Shawn, Stephen, Elizabeth, Seth (Corrina) Lunda, Jeffrey Thielbar, Addison and Blake Barka, and Tyler and Kelsey Thielbar; and 13 great-grandchildren, Alexa and Carter Vesely, Tucker Adams, Parker Rose, Quintin Thielbar, Emma, Amelia and Jakob Wade, Brayden Thielbar, Tyson Flahaven, and Averie, Landon, and Hailey Lunda. Duane attended County Teacher College, received his bachelor's degree from UW-Superior, his master’s degree from University of Missouri-Columbia, and his PhD in educational administration from the UW-Madison. He was a teacher, a counselor, a principal and superintendent of schools. He retired in 1982 and pursued a career in business with some of his family until his failing health caused him to retire again in 2016. In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren; and great-grandchildren, Duane leaves behind his brother, Jerry; and sister-in-law, Kathy Misun. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tari; grandson, Scott; and brother-in-law, John Misun. A Celebration of Duane’s Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, with Chaplain David Brynelson presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Burial will be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in Cable. Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
608-221-5420
Events
Visitation
Fri Nov 30, 2018 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Celebration of Life
Fri Nov 30, 2018 @ 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Duane have been shared yet.
Memories
LA
Linda Von Allmen
Other •
Sending my sympathies. I am so sorry for your loss. Duane was one of the truly nice people in this world.
GW
Greg and Cheryl Whitaker
Other •
There are gentlemen and gentle men. I will always remember Duane as both. As a husband and father, grandpa and friend, Duane graced each relationship with genuine love and compassion. Some men know little but pose and bluster as if they did. Duane knew much yet served his family, students, faculty, friends with wisdom and humility. Always a faithful Christ-follower and godly servant to his church, Duane brought quiet strength and influence to the body of Christ. I count him among my friends and treasure the time Cheryl and I were blessed to serve alongside Both Duane and Elsie. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of one of His saints."
D
Debbie
Other •
Dwayne was a great guy. I remember when he had his dearlership. I bought one of his cars. Loved seing he and Elsie at EMBC. Miss those days. My condolences to the family. Adebbie Johnson
JM
Joy Misun
Other •
Uncle Duane will always be one of my favorite Uncles. He was kindhearted and will always be missed. I think about you all the time and will cherish the memories of growing up with you in my life. Forever and always.