- Visitation
Friday, August 12, 2011
5:00 - 8:00 P.M.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Meridith Funeral Home
Highland, IL.
- Service
Saturday, August 13, 2011
10:00 A.M.
Meridith Funeral Home
- Full Obituary
Duane W. Essenpreis, 92, of Highland, IL passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2011 in Moline, Illinois at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Jack Meyer.
He was born March 6, 1919 in Jamestown, IL, to Oscar and Ella (nee Iberg) Essepnreis. On June 29, 1946 he married Ruby Marcella Willmann and she survives.
Duane graduated from Jamestown High School. While in school, he worked for a Phillips 66 Gas Station for his room and board. He was employed by Emerson Electric, Firestone Tire Shop, Hagnauer and Knoebel, Conoco Service Station and Thomas Sheehan at Scott Air Force Base. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 8, 1942 and was honorably discharged on February 19, 1946. He served on the USS Pioneer, a minesweeper and later the USS Graflus, a refrigeration ship. He served in both the Atlantic and the Pacific. After his discharge, he returned to Highland. He started as a plumbing apprentice for 5 years. He then received his Journeyman License and finally his Master's Plumber License. He went in to partnership in March of 1946 with Mr. Neumann, to form Neumann and Essenpreis Plumbing and Heating. In March, 1951, he started his own business, Essenpreis Plumbing and Heating. He later added the franchise, Rayne soft Water to his business. He and his wife retired and sold their business in 1981 to Bob Frey and Bob Fischer. During his retirement years, he worked part time. For awhile, he drove a school bus and later was a Plumbing Inspector for the City of Highland. He retired from this last job at the age of 89 1/2.
Duane was a charter and life member of Highland VFW Post 5694, Past Commander and Life Member of American Legion Lee Iten Post #439 of Highland, IL. He was Past Master of Masonic Lodge A.F.& A.M. #583 in Highland, a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of Southern, IL, Member of Ainad Shrine Temple A.A.O.N.M.S., E. St. Louis, IL, former member of the Shriners Drum and Bugle Corp., Uniform Units of Ainad Temple and Royal Order of Jesters Court #86 of Southern IL. He was Past President and Charter Member of Silver Lake Shrine Club, Life Member of Old National Trail Shrine Club, Past President and Charter Member of Ma-Cli-Bo Shrine Circus Unit, Past Patron, Order of Eastern Star #524 O.E.S, Past President of Marine Lions Club District IG, Honorary Member of Helvetia Sharpshooters Society, Member of Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1561 and holds the Commission of Colonel in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.
Duane and Ruby loved traveling and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruby (nee Willmann) Essenpreis; 2 daughters - Jan (Jack) Meyer, Moline, IL; Pam
Zagar, Augusta, GA; 3 Grandchildren - Heather (Jason) Powell, Nashville, TN; Gabriel (Whitney Guin-fiancee') Zagar, Evans, GA; Aaron Zagar, Evans, GA; Great Granddaughter - Sophie Marcella Powell, Nashville, TN; 3 Step Grandchildren - John (Danielle) Meyer, Lake Villa, IL; Allie (Eric) Pratt, Moline, IL; and Julie (John) Super, Washington, DC; Step Great Granddaughter -Genevieve Elise Meyer, Lake Villa, IL.
Preceded in death by: His Parents - Oscar and Ella (nee Iberg) Essenpreis; One Sister - Maurine Jenne; One Brother - Arnold Essenpreis; Step Great Granddaughter - Giselle Adoline Meyer.
VISITATION: 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. Friday, August 12, 2011 and Saturday, August 13, 2011 from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. at the Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL. Masonic Services by the Highland Lodge #583 A.F.& A.M. will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. at the Meridith Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Hill, Pastor, Evangelical United Church of Christ, Highland, IL officiating.
INTERMENT at the Highland City Cemetery, Highland, IL with full Military Honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville Tennessee
2144 Fairfax Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212 or the Shriners' Hospital for Children, 2001 S. Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63131-3597.Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL
