Duane A. Smith

Duane A. Smith, 85, Wausau, died peacefully Friday, January 30, 2015 at Golden Age Living Center, Tomahawk. He was born February 15, 1929 in Merrill, the son of the late Arno and Estella (Krueger) Smith. On August 17, 1991 he married Mary Crothers-Grosskreutz at First English Church, Wausau. She survives. Duane proudly served his country as a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy. After 20 years of service he retired from the Navy but continued to do extensive volunteer work through the VFW, of which he was a lifetime member, including serving as a member of the Honor Guard. One of Duane's favorite pastimes was spending time at his summer home up north. Duane loved being active in the outdoors and walked at least 6 miles or more every day. Survivors include his wife, Mary, Wausau; his children, Deborah Spatz, Wausau, Cheryl Grosskreutz, Wausau, Suzette (Steve) Gorecke, Casper, Wyo., Sandra (Randy Griffith) Kell, Colorado Springs, Colo., Steven (Tammy) Grosskreutz, Kronenwetter; 15 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; four sisters, Barbara Hartwig, Wausau, Phyllis (Frank) Radigan, Wausau, Alice (Kenneth) Siewert, Wausau, Diane (Arlo) Erickson, Hatley; one brother, Robert Smith, Kronenwetter and special family friend, Tim Howe. Besides his parents, Duane was preceded in death by one great granddaughter, Hailey Spatz and one sister, Eleanor Schaefer. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 6th Street, Wausau. Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park with full military honors conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Burns Post #388, Wausau. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the Sixth Street funeral home. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 6th Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.