Duane L. Bee
Duane L. Bee, 80 of Elmwood, died peacefully, Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood, WI, surrounded by his family.
He was born November 9, 1935 to Charles and Eva (Hein) Bee in the Rock Elm, WI area. He graduated from Elmwood High School. He married Lois Reitz on January 19, 1957. After marriage they lived in Elmwood before moving south of Elmwood to their farm in 1964, where he resided until he moved to Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood in December, 2014.
He worked on the Iron Range in Northern Minnesota with his brother. He also worked at the Creamery in Elmwood for 19 years, amongst other jobs, but found his passion in farming and definitely knew how to work hard, along with his family.
He is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood. He enjoyed spending time with his family. After retiring from the farm in 1997, he enjoyed playing Euchre and trips to the Casino, as his health permitted. He was a private man, but had a great sense of humor and love for his family and those close to him. He even talked about setting pins at the Elmwood bowling alley.
He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and faculty.
Duane is survived by four sons, Dan (Diane) of Wilson, Randy of Eau Claire, Gary (Terrie Crosby) of Plum City, Dale (Barb) of Elmwood, 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 1 sister, Marlene Weber of Sullivan, 2 sisters-in-law, Norma Bee of Baldwin, Maxine Bee of Nelson, 2 brothers-in-law, Larry Reitz of Durand, Ron Reitz of Eau Galle and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Lois Bee, parents, Charles and Eva Bee, parents –in-law, Elmer and Hazel Reitz, 3 brothers, Eldon, Kenneth, Francis, 3 sisters-in-law, Patricia Bee, Shirley Reitz, and Cleo Reitz, 1 brother-in-law Pat Weber.
Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood with Rev. Prince Raja officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery at a later date.
Visitation was held from 4-8 PM Tuesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.
Online condolences may be made at www.rhielfuneralhome.com
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Elmwood is serving the family.
