Duane R. Mahder

Duane Robert Mahder, 64, of Eau Claire passed away after a tragic work-related accident on Monday, November 7, 2016, in the town of Union. He was born on April 5, 1952, in Eau Claire, WI, to LaDonna (Knudtson) Mahder and the late Robert Mahder. Duane graduated from North High School in 1970, and went on to earn an Associates Degree from Chippewa Valley Technical College. Duane married Marilyn Johnson on April 28, 1973, in Eau Claire. Together they had a daughter, Sheila, they later divorced. Duane then married Ruth-Ann Prueher on September 29, 1984, and together they had two sons, Chad and Shawn. Duane worked as a draftsman for Ditloff Engineering, NAPA Auto Parts and Markquart Motors in sales and service, and most recently as a truck driver for Leonard’s Transportation. His passion in life was carrying on the family tradition of auto racing. He grew up in the racing community and was a celebrated racecar driver on both ice and dirt tracks winning multiple championships both locally and across the mid-west. From 1972 to 1981, Duane raced on the ice full time, but continued intermittently through the 1990’s. He began dirt track racing in 1984 and was involved in racing for the duration of his life as a driver, a support system, and a mentor for others. His accolades are numerous as the #55 was legendary in the Mahder family, beginning with his father, and continuing with his brother, sons, and nephew. Duane’s hobbies include racing, hanging out with family, playing with his grandchildren, boating on the Chippewa River, snowmobiling, and making homemade popcorn and root beer floats for his family. Duane is survived by his wife, Ruth-Ann; daughter, Sheila (Richard) Gregory of Bowling Green, KY; sons, Chad (Shelby) Mahder and Shawn Mahder both of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Kylee and Kerra Gregory, Levi Mahder, and another grandchild arriving in May; mother, LaDonna Mahder, of Eau Claire; siblings, Cheryl (Marcus) Sedlickas of Graham WA, David (Geralyn) Mahder of Monument, CO, Ron (Sandy) Mahder of Eau Claire, and Patti Knapp of Minneapolis, MN; and many nieces, nephews and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert S. Mahder; grandparents, Lawrence and Edna Knudtson and Samuel and Marie Mahder; brother, Dennis Mahder; parents-in-law, Arthur and Geraldine Prueher; sister-in-law, Karen Boselager; and nephews, Andrew Boss, Michael Prueher, and Richard Townsend. Memorial Services will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at the West Chapel location of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire with Pastor Paul Sullivan officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place in Prairie View Cemetery, Village of Lake Hallie. To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.lenmarkfh.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Prairie View Cemetery
40th Ave. and Hwy 124
Village of Lake Hallie WI 54729

Visitation

Saturday, November 12 2016
10:00 AM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel
1405 North Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703

Funeral Service

Saturday, November 12 2016
1:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel
1405 North Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703