Duane G. Kaiser, 75, of Mendota, passed away, Sunday, November 5, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Services will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Jeff Schlesinger officiating. Burial will be in Restland Cemetery, Mendota with military honors by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 29, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home.

Duane was born July 21, 1948, in Mendota to Wilbert and Henrietta (Politsch) Kaiser. He married Kathleen Topel on Febuary 15, 1969 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

Duane was a graduate of Mendota High School where he was active in everything FFA.  He was born to farm and loved everything about animals from very early in life.  He joined the Army Reserves out of High School so he could remain active on the family farm with his Dad.  Duane also became part of the area township roads beside his father for 25 years. Duane completed the term of Arnold Kaiser after his passing in 1993 and then held office of Road Commissioner for 28 years before his retirement in 2020.  When he wasn't farming, working with his cattle or tending to the roads for the township, you could find him pulling tractors at any local Tractor Pull; proudly driving his favorite Minneapolis Molines.  Duane was a lifelong member of the Illinois Farm Bureau and Immanuel Lutheran Church of Compton IL.

Duane is survived by his wife Kathleen of 54 years; his son Dan (Nicole) Kaiser of Mendota; his daughter Rebecca (Marc) Bond of Mendota; his sister Margaret (Dwight) Frick of Mendota, two grandsons Jacob Swope and Kevin Swope, several nieces and nephews, their families and many other close relatives and friends.  He will be greatly missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law David Wapp, brother-in-law Wes Blackwell and sister-in-law Margee (Topel) Manecke.

Memorials may be directed to the Family or the Mendota VFW Post 4079.