Duane W. Kuehl

Please Click here to view the funeral services held on Saturday, August 8th, 2020

 Duane Walter Kuehl was called home by our Lord on August 2, 2020. Duane was born in Neenah, Wisconsin on September 25, 1932, son of Walter and Martha (Rusch) Kuehl. He was baptized as a child of God at Trinity Lutheran Church in Neenah, where he also received a Christian education and was confirmed in the faith. Duane became captain of the track team and graduated from Neenah High School, then continued his studies at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, graduating in 1954 with a degree in accounting. He was a member of the Beta Alpha Psi accounting fraternity and Calvary Chapel, where he met his future wife, Jean. Duane and Jean married shortly after graduation and began their life together in Milwaukee, Wisconsin before moving to Brown Deer in 1959.

Duane worked as a Certified Public Accountant in the accounting firms of Fonteine, McCurdy and Company and Arthur Young and Company before starting his own public accounting firm, Kuehl and Company in 1972, which was based in Menomonee Falls for many years. Duane was very accomplished and respected in his profession, serving as president of both the Milwaukee Chapter of CPAs and later the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs. He also served on a number of committees with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Duane’s faith was very important to him and he was very involved in his church. He was an incorporator of his current congregation, St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brown Deer, where he served as treasurer and on various boards and committees. He was also an incorporator of Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, serving as its’ first treasurer, business instructor and a member of the Board of Regents. Duane further used his God-given talents to support the mission of Wisconsin Lutheran High School by dedicating over forty years of service, providing financial guidance and auditing services for the school. He contributed many years as a member and on the board of directors of the Northwestern Publishing House, the WELS Historical Institute and the WELSMEN organizations.

Duane further served various other organizations as treasurer or active member, including the Greater Menomonee Falls Committee and the Greater Menomonee Falls Foundation Trust. He treasured his Pomeranian (German) heritage and was an active member of the Pommersher Verein Freistadt, volunteering at many German festivals in the Milwaukee area, including German Fest and Pommerntag.

Duane was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, and followed all the local teams, including the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, but especially his beloved Wisconsin Badgers. He attended at least one game a season at Camp Randall Stadium for 71 years! He enjoyed staying for the Fifth Quarter and singing “Varsity”, a time honored Wisconsin tradition.

Duane is survived by his children, Karla (Les), Janet, Lisa, and Tim (Barbara) and granddaughters Alyssa, Andrea (Dara), Jenna (Scott), and great-grandsons Casey and Kiernan. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law Audrey and Carol, a cousin, Jim, as well as nieces, nephews and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, son-in-law, Mike, sister-in-law Ethel and brothers-in-law Donald, Carl and Merle.

Funeral services will be held at St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brown Deer on Saturday, August 8, with the Rev. Michael Feuerstahler officiating. Visitation from 10:00-12:00 (facial coverings and physical distancing required), followed by a private service (due to restrictions on number of people in attendance). A private internment service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Anita’s Garden in Grafton, where Duane resided for the last three years, as well as Pastor Feuerstahler, who provided ongoing spiritual comfort and encouragement. Special thanks also to Heartland Hospice and volunteer, Chuck, who provided many hours of spirited conversation.

Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Mark Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Lutheran College, Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel in Madison, or the charity of one’s choice. Duane was sustained throughout his life, and especially in his last years, by his strong faith in our Saviour, and his enthusiasm and zest for life will continue to be an encouragement to all who knew him.