Duane D. Neitzel

MIDDLETON - Duane D. Neitzel, age 85, of Middleton, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, at Agrace HospiceCare, with his loving family by his side. His generous heart gave all he had to give - and then some. Duane was born on April 27, 1935, in Watertown, Wis., the son of George and Mildred (Scheele). He served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean War. He married Elaine (Mullin) on June 10, 1961, in Fox Lake, Wis. Duane was a Fire Fighter for the City of Madison for 33 years, retiring in 1991 as a District Fire Chief. He was also secretary/treasurer of Fire Fighters Local 311 for many years and a member of American Legion Post No. 151. Duane played baseball for The Laurel Tavern and The Village Bar. He later golfed every Thursday, travelling to a different course each week with his buddies. He was also a big Badgers, Packers and Brewers fan. He went on the Badger Honor Flight in October 2017 with his daughter, Caryn. Mount Olive Lutheran Church was an important part of his life, where he served over the years as an elder, usher and counted offerings many Monday mornings. He adored his grandchildren and attended many of their concerts, games and school events. Duane led numerous family vacations that will be long remembered, and where traditions will continue. Duane is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Elaine; two daughters, Erin and Michael Laemmrich and their children, Hannah and Dane, and Caryn and Joseph Haas and their son, Noah and two stepchildren, Nichole (Mark) Meagher, Connor, Savannah, McKenzie and Matt Haas; sisters, Judy Fassbender, Maxine (Jim) Ferron and Sue Roedl (Bill); brothers-in-law, Dick Schmid and Bill (Barbara) Mullin; and many nieces, nephews and other cherished family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harris (Shirley) Neitzel; sisters, Karen Neitzel and Phyllis Schmid; brothers-in-law, Fuzzy Fassbender, Hank Vredeveld and Robert Roedl. Due to COVID-19, a drive-thru visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. A private family service will follow with burial at Sunset Memory Gardens. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVE STREAM may visit https://www.facebook.com/mountolivemadison/live_videos/?ref=page_internal at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. A special thank you to all the wonderful caregivers at Agrace HospiceCare, Dr. Kostelyna and Dr. Matzke. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, Mount Olive Lutheran Church or Badger Honor Flight. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. “Yes when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease; I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace.” Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761