Duane L. Taves

Duane L. Taves, 88, of W3880 Taves Road, Tomahawk, passed away Friday, March 20, 2015 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk. Duane was born October 24, 1926 in Tomahawk to Arthur and Esther (Kennedy) Taves. He was baptized November 21, 1926. He grew up on the farm and graduated from Forest City Grade School in 1940 and Tomahawk High School in 1944. He served actively in the United States Army from 1945 to 1946, stationed in the Philippine Islands, and saw WWII come to an end. He married a Frenchtown girl, Helen K. VanNorman on October 25, 1947. Duane worked on the farm in his early years, Pine Hidden Acres and later at Owens-Illinois Tomahawk Mill for 40 years, 3 months, and 2 days, as he would say. He retired in 1988. He enjoyed gardening, fly fishing, ice fishing, and just plain working. Duane had served as a supervisor for six years and town of King Chairman for eight years. Surviving Duane are five children, Nancy (John) Schneider, Wausau; Jean Schwartzbauer, Prairie Farm, WI; Joan (Ken) Pagel, Tomahawk; Duane (Susan) Taves, Tomahawk; and Carl (Barb) Taves, Tomahawk. He is further survived by 14 Grandchildren, John (Lisa Sann) Schneider, Rana (Gene) Gunderson, Moses (Shannon Meade) Schneider, Michael Erickson, Matthew (Cathleen) Erickson, Paul (Heidi Engelman) Winter, Daniel (Peggy) Winter, Lana (Jason) Baker, Mandy (Chris Conner) Taves, Jamie Taves, Lucan (Sarah) Taves, Samantha Taves, Joshua (Desiree Duncan) Taves, and Leslie (Mike) Hilgendorf. 19 Great Grandchildren, Wesley Schneider, Brauley, Jonathon, and Meredith Schneider, Hannah, Gabriella, Brock, and Trinity Gunderson; Breanna and Emily Erickson; Charlianne Erickson; Lexi Baker; Aliya Winter and baby Winter soon to come; Brittany, Bailey, and Emily Taves; and Ella and Levi Hilgendorf. Also surviving are 3 Sisters-in-law, Gladys Taves, Audrey Jergensen, and Irene VanNorman, one Brother-in-law, Edward VanNorman and many nieces and nephews. Duane was preceded in death by 3 Brothers, Harold, Eugene, and Dale and a grandson, Todd Winter. In keeping with Duane's wishes there will be no formal funeral service, the family will celebrate his life privately this summer. The family wishes to thank Dr. Samundsen and the staff at Sacred Heart Hospital for their wonderful care.