Duane R. Gravunder, 91, of Rice Lake, WI, passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at Mayo Clinic, Barron, WI. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 25 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Rice Lake, WI. Pastor Sue Eidahl will officiate. Burial will be at Nora Cemetery, Rice Lake, with military honors. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Duane was born July 8, 1931 in Chippewa Falls, WI, son of Fredrick and Anna (Oldenburg) Gravunder. He was united in marriage to Lois F. Avery on August 21, 1954 at Faith Lutheran Church, Cameron, WI. He graduated from Chetek High School, class of 1949. Duane’s love of art carried on through his children. His most life-long passion has been creating a secret invention that he has developed up to his death. Duane worked in agriculture, Holsum Bakery in Rice Lake, owned and operated the Texaco Station in Rice Lake, and drove the Bus Taxi. He served our great nation in the Army National Guard. He retired from Holsum Bakery as a mechanic.

Duane enjoyed many years of fishing and hunting with his boys and friends. His stories rang true to his “Brag Book”. Anyone who knew Duane, enjoyed his sense of humor. He loved his time with his family and he especially looked forward to spending time with his siblings at the annual family reunion. He loved attending auctions for the most unique treasures. He followed the Green Bay Packers and loved the game of football. His favorite toy was the “Puppy Roll”, pulling smiles and giggles out of his grandchildren.

Duane is survived by his wife, Lois; daughter, Bonnie Gravunder of Rice Lake; sons, David (Debby) Gravunder of Haugen, WI, Gordon (Barbara) Gravunder of Comstock, WI, Bradly (Lisa) Gravunder of Montello, WI; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his sisters, Beverly Hyland of Chippewa Falls, WI, Gloria (Ray) Hughes of Chippewa Falls, WI; his brother, Waldren (Mary Anne) Gravunder; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; half-sister, Edna Petschow Bohl; sister, Marlene Gravunder Lueck; brothers, Marlin Gravunder, Donald Gravunder, and Kenneth Gravunder.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at Marshfield Medical Center, Rice Lake, and Barron Care and Rehabilitation for their precious care of Duane. Love and peace to you Duane! You will surely be missed!

Last Update: Nov 22, 2022 11:35 am CST