Duane L. Watter

Duane L. Watter, 90, of Shawano, passed away on Thursday, August 22^nd in West Bend after a brief illness.

He was born in the town of Seneca in Shawano County, the son of Carl and Lilly (Weber) Watter. “Eenie” graduated in the Bowler High School class of 1948, and soon afterward moved to Milwaukee. He entered the US Army’s 2^nd Armored Division in 1951, and was stationed in Germany. He returned to marry Lucille Strelow of Bowler in 1952, who preceded him in death in 2014.

Duane built laundry equipment and Harley-Davidson motorcycles before finding his favorite job as a water meter reader with the City of Milwaukee. His time in basements led to a hobby of collecting and masterfully restoring antique furniture. Retirement brought him back to Shawano County, where he enjoyed golf at Pine Hills, water exercise at the Shawano Rec Center and nursing a manhattan on the screen porch of his home on Alpine Drive, watching the boats cruise slowly up the channel to Shawano Lake. He was also a faithful presence at Zion Lutheran’s services on Saturday nights and Sundays at the County Park. He spent his final years swapping stories with his mealtime buddies at The Cottages.

He is survived by sons Jeff and Jay of Brookfield and Fredonia, daughters-in law Janice and Traci; grandchildren Ted (Heather) of Sykesville MD, David of Encampment WY, Samantha (Nick) Conrad of Waubeca and Ben of Fredonia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother Russell and sister Lois.

At Duane’s request a private service for immediate family will be held. Friends who wish to remember him are urged to make a memorial gift in his name to Zion Lutheran in Shawano.