Duane Russell Stoecklin

Duane was born on August 2, 1940 in Alhambra, IL to Vernon and Dorothy Stoecklin. Duane held a variety of early jobs, including making doughnuts, cutting sod, doing construction and working in his dad’s lumber yard. After graduating from St. Paul High School in 1958, he went on to study mathematics at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Air Force in September 1963. As part of his military training, he completed a degree in meteorology, launching his 26-year career as a weather officer. He served overseas in Vietnam, sometimes working behind enemy lines with special forces and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device. Throughout his Air Force career his additional achievements included the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal. His final assignment was at Offutt Air Force Base where he served as Chief of the Plans and Programs Branch of the Operations Division with the 3rd Weather Wing until his retirement as lieutenant colonel in 1989.

He met the love of his life, Shirley (Meyer) at college, and they were married in Highland, IL on December 28, 1963. Together they traveled around the U.S. and Europe as Duane was stationed in Texas, Kansas, Alabama, Illinois, California and England. In retirement Duane and Shirley continued their love of travel visiting their children and grandchildren, wine tasting when in California, exploring historical sites, attending local theater productions, and following their beloved St. Louis Cardinals and attending the I70 series. Duane and Shirley remained deeply in love, could be seen holding hands walking down the street, and celebrated 53 years of marriage before Shirley’s death in 2016.

Duane was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, son, Dean and brother-in-law, Robert (Bob) Baer. He is survived by three daughters, Maria Marois and her husband, Michael of Sacramento, CA; Michele Stoecklin and Kim Biggs of La Vista, NE; Denise Maddock and her husband, Jeremiah of La Vista, NE; daughter-in-law, Sabrina Abell; and nine grandchildren – Bryce, Reese, Hayden, and Naomi Stoecklin; Siena Marois; Makena and Wyatt Maddock; and Sammy and Micah Biggs. Duane is also survived by his sister, Patricia (Pat) Baer and brothers, Denny Stoecklin and Darrell Stoecklin, their spouses and nieces and nephews.

Duane was loving and caring, family was all important to him and he couldn’t have been prouder of his children and grandchildren, relating stories of their greatness and genius to everyone he met. He was also proud grandpapa to several of his children’s canine companions. He shared his love of baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals with his children, creating a lifelong fan club. Duane enjoyed donut dates with his grandkids, family traditions like fondue for Christmas and crossword puzzles. In the last years of his life, Duane resided at Hillcrest Assisted Living where he is fondly remembered for his friendliness and kindness helping others and providing dinner time assistance in reading menus and placing orders.

VISITATION Friday, July 5, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary. FUNERAL MASS Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Columbkille Catholic Church. COMMITTAL SERVICE at Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or other cancer charities.

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others.”