Duane Clifford “Brandy” Downing, 76, of Ontario passed away Friday, May 21, 2010, at Tomah Memorial Hospital.
He was born Oct. 26, 1933, to Jay and Ella (Ferries) Downing.
He was united in marriage to Shirley Rich; to this union, five children were born. Duane was employed by Ed Kraemer Construction for 33 years. He was later married to Kari Willis.
In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, playing cribbage and watching the Packer and Badger teams. He was a graceful dancer and especially enjoyed two-stepping. Duane was united in marriage to Sonja Neprud on May 5, 1986. He loved his family more than anything and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his children, Deborah (Jim) Miller of Sparta, Jonie (Harry) Curtis of Jefferson, Wis., Michael (Mavis) Downing of Ontario, Kim (Tim) Parker of La Farge and Kristi (Randy) Muehlenkamp of Sparta; his wife, Sonja Downing; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild; a brother, Darrell (Judy) Downing of Janesville; a sister, Tillie (Tom) Walkawick of Dousman, Wis.; his special friends, Wayne Woodard, Sid Steinmetz and Michael Melvin; his family pets, Jessie and Jasmine; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley; a brother, Ellsworth Downing; and a sister, Iola Johnson.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 24, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario. Family and friends are invited for visitation at the funeral home from 5–8 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to services Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Ontario Community Hall. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
