Duane W. Metzler Sr.

Born February 12, 1941 in Moline to Robert and Doris (Cooper) Metzler, he married Shirley Kay Weihler on June 4, 1961 in Viola. She died March 10, 2018 in Pekin. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Caleb Earnest.

Surviving are two daughters, Yvette (Kirby) Earnest and Trisha (Ryan) Clark, both of Pekin; two sons, Duane Metzler, Jr. of Pekin and Scott (Michelle) Metzler of Washington; eight grandchildren, Brian (Michelle) Earnest, Chelsea (Josh) Ganion, Jarrod Earnest, Cole and Carson Metzler, Jade Metzler, Emma and Bella Clark; two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Lilian Ganion and three brothers, Fred (Laura) Metzler of Deer Park, Washington, Lyle (Carol) Metzler of Rockwall, Texas and Bill (Donna) Metzler of Orion.

Duane was a graduate of Western Illinois University, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. Following graduation, he taught chemistry at ROWVA District 208 in Oneida. He later began a career as a chemist at Corn Products in Pekin. He then worked 35 years at Caterpillar Inc. in Mapleton as a chemist before retiring in 2006.

An outdoorsman, Duane loved gardening, bird watching and photography. He enjoyed listening to country music, watching and attending rodeos and cheering on the Chicago White Sox.

Duane was an active leader for his son’s Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troops. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.

He was a 45- plus year member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin, where his funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2022. Rev. James C. McClarey will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. An additional visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Wednesday morning at the church. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon at Viola Cemetery in Viola.

Memorial contributions may be given to First United Methodist Church of Pekin, 1315 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com