Duane Donald Wiitanen

Duane Donald Wiitanen, 90, lifelong Superior resident, died Monday, March 29, 2021 at Twin Ports Health Services in Superior, WI. He was born in Duluth, MN on January 4, 1931, the son of Eino J. and Esther (Klang) Wiitanen.

He graduated from Poplar High School in 1948. He went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army in transports and as a surveyor in Korea. He later worked for Georgia Pacific Railroad as a sawmill operator for many years before his retirement. Duane married Vaira Elda Lester-Kadlec on October 20, 1969 and they celebrated forty-four years of marriage before her passing on December 4, 2014. He was a member of the Darrow Road Wesleyan Church in Superior. He was an avid reader and was always sure to be up on current events.

Duane is survived by his children, Kathryn A. (Joe) Ray of the west coast, Teri (Tom) Lane, Elizabethton, TN, Kelly (Ron) Dempski, Zimmerman, MN, Jackie Marciulionis, Milwaukee, WI, Mashell (Lenard) Olson, Lina Lakes, MN, Susan Hudson, Superior, WI, Harriete Harriman-Junker (Joe) of Oakdale, MN and Herbert (Sonja) Kadlec, Muskoge, OK; twenty-five grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and several great great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, Vaira, daughter, Sandra J. Heck, son, Duane J. Wiitanen and step-son, Gary Kadlec.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at the Darrow Road Wesleyan Church, 4020 S. Darrow Road, Superior and continue until the 12:00 PM funeral service with Pastor Mark Holmes officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Lakeside, WI.

Military Honors will be accorded at the church by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post 435 Honor Guard.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com .