Duane Frank Schlewitz June 14, 1945 – October 18, 2026

Duane Frank Schlewitz, 81, of Fall Creek, Wisconsin, passed away late Sunday evening, October 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Dove Healthcare -West Nursing Home in Eau Claire. 

Duane was born on June 14, 1945, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Frank and Violet Schlewitz. A lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fall Creek, Duane's roots in his faith, family, and community ran deep. He grew up on the family farm, where his love for agriculture and strong work ethic began at an early age. When his father passed away, Duane was just 14 years old. At an age when most boys were simply enjoying their teenage years, Duane stepped up to help run the family farm alongside his mother, Violet, Aunt Adeline, and Uncle Jule. This responsibility helped shape the hardworking, dedicated man he would remain throughout his life. 

While in high school, Duane met the love of his life, Brenda Jackson. The two were married on March 15, 1969. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, farming, hard work, and love. They were blessed with four children: Devin, Denise, Darren, and Delton.

Duane was a farmer at heart, but his talents and interests extended far beyond the fields. Even while farming he found time to work other jobs, including hauling milk, and pumping gas at the local gas station for Loren and Swede. Over the years, he sold seed corn, McNess products, Headlund barn cleaners and silo unloaders, and silos. He was also a dealer for J&D Manufacturing, hauled gas for Schillings, and performed custom fieldwork for area farmers. Duane was never one to shy away from hard work. He wore many hats and could turn his hand to just about anything. 

After selling the dairy cows in 1999, Duane began a new chapter, working alongside Brenda at Hutchinson Technology. He later drove truck for Meyer Brothers and mowed lawns for the Eau Claire School District. He was actively involved in his community, serving on the AMPI Board, Lincoln Town Board, and Fall Creek FFA Alumni Board, and was a member of Farm Bureau.

Through it all, Duane never quit farming. Farming wasn't simply what Duane did; it was who he was. Even after selling the dairy he continued farming alongside his son, Devin. He took great pride in the fact that he was still planting corn this past spring at the age of 80, and he was eagerly looking forward to climbing back into the combine for another harvest. His love for the land, the animals, the changing seasons, and the satisfaction of a hard day's work never faded.

Duane was a storyteller, a conversationalist, and a man who never met a stranger. He had a remarkable memory for people, places, and the history of his community. His stories were a gift, keeping memories of days gone by alive for the generations who followed. He always had a story to tell, a memory to share, or something to say that would leave everyone laughing. 

He loved to go for a drive and was famous for asking, "Do you know who lived there?" As he pointed out a house or farm, he would share a story about the people who once called it home. He had a shortcut to everywhere—and sometimes nowhere—and it wasn't unusual to travel the same road twice before reaching your destination. With Duane behind the wheel, the stories and laughter along the way were always worth the extra miles.

Duane's grandchildren and great-grandson held a special place in his heart. Time spent with Grandpa was never dull. Whenever the grandchildren came to visit, you could almost guarantee a card game would break out. "Nickel Nickel" was a family favorite, and Duane was always quick to make sure everyone was playing by the rules—all while intentionally playing incorrectly himself! He teased his grandchildren endlessly, but every bit of it came from a place of love. And, of course, no visit was complete without hearing one of Grandpa's famous stories, usually the same ones he had told countless times before, just in case someone hadn't heard them the first time.

Duane had a saying for just about everything, and his family will forever remember his unique expressions. One of his favorites, especially when talking to his great-grandson, was "You're fricked in the poodle!" Fluent in German, Duane often sprinkled German phrases into everyday conversations. In fact, much of the German his family knows today comes from Grandpa's favorite sayings—some of which probably shouldn't be repeated in polite company! Those familiar phrases, his mischievous grin, his endless teasing, and his unforgettable stories will forever bring smiles to the faces of those who knew and loved him. While the card games may never be quite the same without Grandpa, the laughter and memories he created around the table will live on for generations.

Above all, Duane loved his family. He was proud of the life he and Brenda built together and the generations that followed. Whether he was working in the fields, sharing a story, offering advice, or simply enjoying time with those he loved, Duane leaves behind a lifetime of memories that his family will forever treasure.

Duane is survived by his four children: Devin (Tammy) Schlewitz, Denise (Mitch) Larson, Darren (Tammy) Schlewitz, and Delton (Rebekah) Schlewitz; his nephew, Mathew Jackson; and his grandchildren: Ashleigh (Adam) Kruger, Davon Schlewitz, Darrik Schlewitz (Paige Berglund), Lindsay Larson (Josh Dahling), Aaron Larson, Cullen Schlewitz (fiancée Jenna Rondeau), Jillian Schlewitz (Bradlee Clemmons), Kylie Schlewitz, and Kayden Schlewitz.

He is also survived by his great-grandson, Ace Kruger, and two eagerly anticipated great-grandsons: Baby Boy Schlewitz, expected in November to Cullen and Jenna, and Baby Boy Larson, expected in January to Aaron.

Duane is further survived by his sister, Linda Holte; his special friend, Ruth Dunston; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda; his granddaughter, Josie; his parents, Frank and Violet Schlewitz; his brother-in-law, John Holte; and a sister who passed away in infancy.

A visitation will be held Friday, October 30, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta, WI. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11 :00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fall Creek, with a visitation there one hour prior to services on Saturday. 

 Burial will be in Trinity Cemetery in Fall Creek.