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Duane Jesse Beach
Duane Jesse Beach

Duane Jesse Beach, 99, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2019 at St. Clare Friedensheim. He was born on December 9, 1919 in Clarno Township, the son of Jesse and Hilda (Ruegsegger) Beach. On April 30, 1944, he married the love of his life, Rose Emma Glanzman, at St. John’s United Church of Christ. He farmed all his life on the family farm started in 1901 by his grandfather, William Beach. Duane was a devoted husband of 75 years and a loving father. Duane and Rose have three children, Audrey Schuetze, Paul Beach (Carolyn), and Janet Beach (John). They were blessed with eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Duane’s life was totally centered on family and farm. As the eldest son, Duane was frequently the strong and loving arms of the big brother who enjoyed and closely connected with his five siblings. He farmed with work horses in the early years and trained one to do show tricks. His love for horses continued as he aged with his favorite horse Nellie. He was an early fan of the snowmobile and also the ATV. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, playing cards, making wine, and traveling with family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren highlighted his later years, including playing pool and cellar-ball in his basement with them.

Duane graduated from Enterprise School and went on to Monroe High School. He left there to take over the farm when his father was seriously injured. As the third generation on the family farm, Duane is proud that the farm is passing from his son, Paul, to the fifth generation of his grandsons, Andrew and Jeremy Beach. Duane was very active in his church and community. He was a life- long member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, where he served on the church council for several years. He was also a member and director of the Farm Bureau, a 4-H Adult leader for swine for over thirteen years, and active in the Green County Beef Producers and Pork Producers.

Duane’s greatest joy was his wife and family. He is survived by his daughters and son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his sister Dorothy Block and his brothers Rolland and Nathan Beach. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Hilda, by twin sisters Marian and Margaret in infancy, by sisters Ella Burington and Louise Wild, by his wife Rose, and a granddaughter Laura.

All of Duane's family sends a huge, heartfelt thank you to all of the wonderfully caring, competent, and compassionate workers at St. Clare Friedensheim, who looked after Duane these past six- and one-half months. You are amazing people and we are so grateful for your dedication to Duane and the other residents there.

 Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 11:30 am at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home at 1455 Mansion Dr., and 18th Ave. in Monroe. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 16th, from 10:00 am until time of service at the funeral home.