Duane R. Kessen, 63, of Kenosha, formerly of Neopit, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, at his home.
Duane was born Nov. 14, 1951, in Keshena, a son of the late Lee Kessen and Claudette (Law) Kessen Dodge. He attended school in Oshkosh and graduated from Oshkosh West High School. Following school he entered the United States Army. He served in Vietnam, serving two tours of duty. Upon returning from service, he was employed at the foundry in Oshkosh for several years. He later worked in the construction industry as a general contractor.
Duane has lived in the Kenosha area for 27 years. Duane was extremely proud of his military service and his Native American culture. He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed hunting.
Duane is survived by his wife, Terri Tatro-Kessen, of Racine; four daughters, Tracy (Brian) Ahrens, of West Bend, Amber Frausto, of Stevens Point, Misty (Anthony) Kessen-Ramirez, of Wittenberg, and Kayla Kessen, of Kenosha; six grandchildren; his sister, Bubbles Dixon, of Neopit; his brother, Roland (Kathy) Kessen, of Oshkosh; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Miranda Kessen; a sister, Donna Longsine; and four brothers, Jerry Kessen, Bruce “Tony” Kessen, Robert “Sarge” Kessen and Joe Kessen.
A funeral Mass for Duane will be celebrated on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Neopit. The Rev. David McElroy, O. Praem, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in the spring at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. Vets of the Menominee Nation will conduct military rites at the church. Relatives and friends may call at the Bubbles Dixon residence at N3688 Wheelock Road, Neopit, after 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday when the procession leaves for church. A parish wake service will be conducted at the Dixon residence on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, at 7 p.m.
Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mickelsonfs.com.