On Tuesday February 21st, 2023, Duane Scott Siegenthaler entered peacefully into the presence of Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven while surrounded by his beloved family. Duane was born July 9th, 1958 to Glenn and Elizabeth (Vogel) Siegenthaler in Monroe, WI. He grew up the youngest of 12 siblings on a farm outside of Monticello. Duane graduated from Monticello High School in 1976. He spent a number of years in agriculture before investing his passion and energy for sustainable farming into Midwestern Bio-Ag. On November 12th, 1988 Duane married his best friend and partner in life, Brenda Anderson. Together they raised their three children Stephanie, Erick and Alissa.
For 30 years Duane leveraged his values of integrity, hard work, and wisdom in his career at Bio-Ag, where he most recently served as Chief Sales Officer and Chief Operations Officer. Always Brenda’s champion and partner, he helped her launch Brenda’s Blumenladen (1996), the Kinderladen (2013), and the Boutique (2017). In 2020, Duane retired from Bio-Ag to work alongside Brenda and the team at their local shops. Duane graciously imparted wisdom and sensibility to those he worked with and was an amazing role model of work ethic, honesty and optimism in all of his endeavors.
Willing to do anything for anyone, Duane was a well-respected servant-leader who brought wisdom and sweat-equity to every role he filled. Duane served as a volunteer fire-fighter for 21 years on the New Glarus Fire Department where he formed many significant lifelong friendships. He also served as a volunteer EMT on the New Glarus EMS and was a member of the New Glarus Lions Club. He enjoyed coaching youth basketball when his children were participants.
In Duane’s humility, he counted others more significant than himself. He lived to serve and enjoyed working alongside Brenda to beautify and maintain their home, garden and land, the family’s beloved “Siegy Ranch.” He cherished his family and the time he had with them, especially on vacations and through family celebrations. Choosing to make every day a good day, he shared his smile and quiet joy with everyone who had the privilege of interacting with him. His presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Duane is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Carol Schultz, his father-in-law Elwood Anderson, brother-in-law Dave Baker and his sister-in-law Nancy Siegenthaler.
Duane is survived by his wife, Brenda, his mother-in-law, Donna Anderson; ten siblings: Mary Baker, Leroy Siegenthaler, Linda (Dennis) Thoman, Glenda Thoman, Ralph Siegenthaler, Kathleen (Mitchell) Lindgren, Evelyn Thoman (Brad Voegeli), Christine (Tom) Wenger, Lyle (Kate) Siegenthaler, and Elaine (Tim) Maney; a sister-in-law Linda Klitzke, a brother-in-law Dave (Kris) Anderson and many nieces and nephews.
Duane is survived by five children: Matt (Suzie) Siegenthaler, Nick Siegenthaler, Stephanie (Troy) Loether, Erick (Lauren) Siegenthaler, and Alissa (Marc) Zera. Duane was “Grandpa Siegy” to Tiara, Tianna, Chloe, Isaac and Ephraim Loether and Ezra Zera.
A celebration service to honor Duane’s life will be held on Saturday, March 4th at 1:30pm at the New Glarus Fire Station, 218 4th Avenue, New Glarus, with Pastor Troy Loether presiding. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the fire station.
Memorials in Duane’s name can be made to benefit the New Glarus Fire Department.
The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus, WI is graciously assisting the family.
Online condolences can be made at www.bealfuneralhomes.com.