Duane Joseph Seiler
March 5, 1934 — Oct. 1, 2016
Duane Joseph Seiler was born on March 5, 1934, in St. Benedict, the son of Martin and Elizabeth (Balk) Seiler. In his younger years, he attended St. Benedict School and in 1952, graduated from Algona High School. He was very active in the in FFA and wrestled four years in high school. He was a man of faith and was active in the St. Benedict Parish as a lector, Eucharistic Minister and choir member.
Duane worked at the Wesley Creamery until serving in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1959. When discharged from the military, he began his career as a mechanic. He worked first at Bauer Implement in Wesley until its closure in 1976, and then for Buscher Bros Implement in Algona for 22 years until retiring in 1998.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, going for bike rides, and attending his nieces’ and nephews’ sporting events. For many years, most of the children and community of St. Benedict and Wesley knew him as the endearing and jovial Santa Claus.
Duane died Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 at the Algona Manor Care Center. He was 82.
He is survived by his sisters: Darlene (Kenny) Thilges of Algona and Karen (Larry) Fogarty of West Bend; sister-in-law, Nelvinea Seiler of Algona; nieces and nephews: Kendra Thilges of Spirit Lake; Kraig (Kathy) Thilges of Algona; Doug (Jeanne) Thilges of Algona; Lisa (Chuck) Riesenberg of West Bend; Kris (John) Fairbanks of Ceresco, Neb.; Julie Fogarty of Chicago, Ill.; Pat (Christine) Fogarty of Algona; Tim (Dixie) Fogarty of West Bend; Kimberly (Ryan) Etherington of Algona; Renetta Seiler of Algona; Katie (Mike) Kerker of Cedar Falls; and 28 great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, David and Paul Seiler; and niece, Karla Kay Thilges.
Oakcrest Funeral Services was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.