Duane James Foss, age 83, of Whitehall, died on Monday, December 2, 2013 in the Gundersen Tri-County Care Center in Whitehall.

Duane was born December 22, 1929 at home on a farm in rural Whitehall to Ernest and Norma (Johnson) Foss, the oldest of nine children. Duane was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Whitehall.

In third grade, Duane would go on the milk route "Foss Dairy" with his uncle before school. At age 15, his Dad passed away and he had told him he must provide for the family. Duane quit school and operated his Dad's store and restaurant. At age 17, Duane sold the store and restaurant to his Uncle Norman for $1700.00. Duane enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Fairbanks, AK where he was fortunate enough to meet Charles Lindberg.

After his discharge, Duane came back to Whitehall and worked at Briggs Motor Sales. Duane married Theodora "Teddy" Ekern on May 1, 1957 in Dubuque, IA. He took over the Standard Station in 1958. Duane worked three different service stations in Whitehall and in 1968 bought the Mobile Station which he operated until his retirement in 2009.
Duane will be remembered for his passion for restoring and driving around in his antique cars. He had a 1934 Plymouth coupe along with many Desoto's and Dodges.

Duane served Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Whitehall as a deacon and trustee for a total of 12 years and was motivated by his faith.

Duane was known to everyone as a gentle, kind, honest and caring man, a wonderful husband, Dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother and uncle.

Duane is survived by his wife, Theodora; a son, Frederick (Debra) Ekern of Onalaska; a daughter, Debra (Ron) Larson of York; three grandchildren, Stephanie (Steven) Buck of New Berlin, Erica (Nathan) Rucker of Appleton and Brian Larson of Ixonia; three great-grandchildren, Ian Buck and Preslie and Asher Rucker; four brothers, Spencer Foss of Riverside, CA, Robert (Sharon) Foss of San Antonio, TX, Ernest (Rosie) Foss of Rapid City, SD and David (Priscilla) Foss of Galesville; two sisters, Lois Fitzgerald and Linda Henderson both of St. Louis, MO; many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Duane was preceded in death by two sisters, Delores Wynne of Medford, OR and Rosalie (Don) Sorenson of Rice Lake.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, December 9, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. in Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Whitehall with Pastor Yvonne Marshall officiating.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 8, 2013 from 4-7 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.