Duane Mosier Sr.

Always there with a helping hand, Duane Mosier was someone others could count on whenever he was needed. With much to live for, Duane fought a long and hard battle against the illness that eventually took him from those he cared about and loved. Never one to cause worry for others, he put the needs of his family and friends before his own. Duane leaves a legacy of memories for those he held close that will be cherished and treasured. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

During the 1950s, life for many personified the American dream. Families were moving into the suburbs by the droves and once there, they nestled together in front of the evening television to watch the likes of I Love Lucy and The Ed Sullivan Show. An age of innocence, there was much focus on education with one in three high school graduates going off to college. Rock and roll made its debut while Elvis hit the music charts in 1956 with his first number one hit, Heartbreak Hotel. Just in time for the introduction of disposable diapers, Joseph and Josephine (Tofari) Mosier was welcoming a joyous occasion in their family when on September 29 of that same year they were blessed with the birth of a son whom they lovingly named Duane.

Born and raised in Kankakee, Illinois, Duane was the third of eventually five children. He grew up alongside his sisters Pearl, Theresa, Kathy, and brother Dave, which made for a bustling household. As a youngster, Duane found his share of adventure and enjoyed friendships with neighborhood pals. He especially liked being outdoors, a trait he carried his whole life through. Duane graduated from Bremen High School in Midlothian, Illinois and went on to serve his country in the United States Army. The year 1976 brought many changes to Duane‘s life when he met and fell in love with a young woman named Irene Kuzma. After a two year courtship, Duane and Irene were blessed in marriage before family and friends on August 12, 1978 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Beginning a lifelong commitment to each other, the young couple set up house and worked hard together before beginning a family. In January of 1981 they were overjoyed with the birth of their first child, a son they named Duane, Jr., his namesake. The following winter in December 1981 they welcomed their little girl Tiffany into their arms, followed by their son John in February of 1983. As the spring thaw was approaching in March of 1987, their son Anthony was born. Their last child, another December baby, was born in 1988 when Alex completed their family. Duane and Irene raised their family in the Catholic faith and were faithful members at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. In time they settled in Bourbonnais where they raised their children. Duane loved being a dad and took a keen and devoted interest in the lives of his children.

Duane was a hard worker and worked hard to provide for his family. He drove truck for most of his career and had most recently worked as a truck driver for Blue Ribbon Sod Farm in Manteno, Illinois. Most of all, Duane loved working outdoors whenever he could. Whether it was tinkering in the garage on small projects or working on cars, he liked the open air freedom of being able to move about and enjoy the task at hand. He had a knack for puttering on cars and could fix just about anything. If someone needed help with something, they knew that Duane was just a phone call away. He also enjoyed hunting in his free time during hunting season. Over the years Duane had a few favorite television programs and liked to settle in and relax after a long week on the road by watching TV. As always, he beloved dogs were always at his side.

When Duane began experiencing some health issues, he eventually went to the doctor and underwent countless tests. It was devastating for Duane to hear he had been diagnosed with cancer. The most difficult part for him was not wanting to put his family through any hardship, and it was important to him that they not worry about him. The months during the treatments for his illness put Duane through many emotions, and he suffered physically. Although his battle with cancer was long, Duane put up a hard fight and never gave up. Sadly, Duane passed away on Monday, December 14, 2009 at the age of 53 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee.

Fun loving and a man of simple means, Duane never asked for much but was always there with a helping hand for anyone in need. A friend to many, he will be sorely missed and frequently remembered in the hearts and memories of those he leaves behind.

Duane is survived by his wife, Irene; five children: Duane Mosier, Jr. of Kankakee, Tiffany Mosier of Bradley, John Mosier, Anthony Mosier, and Alex Mosier, all of Bourbonnais; his mother, Josephine Mosier of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; three sisters: Pearl Mosier, Theresa Burkeland, and Kathy (Ron) Dorn, all of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; his brother, Dave (Carol) Mosier of Monee; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Mosier, mother-in-law, Natalie Kuzma, Uncle Henry Mosier, and a brother-in-law, Bill Smierciak.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 18, 2009 at 9:30 AM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Kankakee. Visitation with Duane‘s family will take place on Thursday, December 17, 2009 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Funeral Home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Duane or to sign his online guest book.