Duane Keith Mach

Duane Keith Mach was born July 3, 1933 to Metabelle Hubbard and Leonard Mach in La Crosse Wisconsin. He grew up on the Black River and enlisted in the US Navy in 1950, served four years, traveled the world experienced life and met the love of his life, Patricia Gile. They were married September 17, 1955 and brought six beautiful people into this world. 

Duane served as a police officer for seven years on the Onalaska police department and then went on to a long successful career in sales and management. He loved hunting, fishing, singing, gardening, cutting wood, raising horses and other animals and playing the banjo, ukulele and being a member of the church choir. Most of all he loved his wife and babies, he was Grandpa to many and Uncle Bud to more. 

He will always be remembered for his hard hugs and love of family. He and Pat (Patricia) cooked, canned grew a beautiful garden and always had time for a family gathering, especially if it involved a Friday night fish fry. He passed peacefully on August 24, 2024 after three weeks in hospice at the ripe old age of 91. 

Duane is survived by his beautiful wife Patsy of nearly 69 years, his children Patrick and Jeanne, Diana and Tom Evers, Julie and Gary Chikowski, Karoline Johnson, Joe and Barbie and Pamela Mach, 12 grandchildren and their families and 20 great grandchildren with more on the way. He had many siblings, nieces, nephews and great friends and has been proceeded in death by his parents, his in-laws and his son-in-law Chris Johnson, as well as siblings and other family members. 

There will be a private family celebration of life at a later date and memorials can be sent in his name to the Red Cross and ThedaCare at Home Hospice. 

A special thank you for the support of ThedaCare at Home Hospice and Dr. Hetzel for your assistance on this journey. Nikki, our CNA - you rocked it. You will forever have a special place in our hearts.