Duane James LaPlante, 86, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving wife Audrey and his children on May 25, 2021, at North River Health Campus in Evansville, Indiana. He led a trustworthy and eventful life and completely dedicated himself to his faith, wife, and family. Duane was born on January 9, 1935, to the late Eugene and Tillie (Reif) LaPlante, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
He was the third of six siblings. His father became ill when Duane was young and the family struggled through many difficult years providing for their needs and caring for Eugene until his death in 1953. Duane and Audrey were married in Green Bay on August 27, 1955. In 1966, they moved their young family west to Denver, Colorado. Duane loved the majesty of the Rocky Mountains and spent many years hunting, fishing, camping, and exploring remote places throughout the Colorado Rockies. During the 35 years the family lived in Colorado, Duane started several successful businesses including Artisan Pattern Company, Southwest Liquors, and The Windjammer Lounge on Carter Lake. He was also an avid gardener and found true enjoyment in growing all kinds of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. He was dedicated to raising his children and was instrumental in establishing various sport and scouting programs at their parish and schools. His calling was family life and he was continuously focused on providing for Audrey and the children. In retirement, Duane and Audrey relocated to Fort Mohave, Arizona, for several years before moving to Fort Branch, Indiana, in 2013 to be near family.
He is survived by Audrey, his devoted wife of 65 years, and their children, Dan (Roberta) LaPlante of Hancock, NH, Randy (Donna) LaPlante of Spokane, WA, Jill (Tim) Dejewski of Alvarado, TX, Peg (Steve) Hall of Fort Branch, IN, and Bruce (Pam) LaPlante of Cheyenne, WY; grandchildren Peter (Laura) LaPlante, Ryan LaPlante, Claire LaPlante, Kate (Joey) Blahut, Rebecca (Chris) Burke, Nick (Laura) LaPlante, Matthew LaPlante, Kevin (Christina) Dejewski, Nancy (Bill) Burke, Jerome (Brynne) Hall, Peter Hall, Cecilia Hall, Mary Hall, Elisabeth (Aaron) Wogan, Victoria LaPlante; and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Lyle LaPlante of Green Bay, WI.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, his four sisters, and two grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Fort Branch, Indiana. A visitation will be held from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, at Stodghill Funeral Home, Fort Branch, Indiana. A rosary service will precede visitation at 4:00 p.m. Interment will be at a later date at SS. Cyril & Methodius Cemetery, Town of Eaton, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Duane’s honor to Holy Cross Catholic Church.
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