Duane Sinnen (1951-2016)

Duane Sinnen, 64, was born, the second of twins, in Kenosha on September 12, 1951.  The son of Gerald and the late Jean Sinnen, he attended local schools and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1970.

Duane married Deniece Kaldenberg in 1973. They were blessed with a daughter, Cassandre Lynn, in 1974.  They later divorced.

Duane and Luann (Duberstine) were united in marriage on June 8, 1985 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Kenosha. Their daughter, Jennifer Nicole, was born in 1995.  Duane was able to see Jen graduate from high school and go on to college. He was a very proud father.

Duane worked at American Brass for 25 years, first in the Rod Mill, then in Tool and Die and finally in Machine Repair.  He then worked at Kenosha Chrysler for ten years, retiring due to the disabling nature of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Throughout the years, the Green Bay Packers brought Duane entertainment, joy and frustration.  Du was a hunter, a fisher-person, and a man who loved the outdoors.  He and his twin, Wayne, spent their time together bow-hunting, gun-hunting, and talking about hunting, often with a beer and a bonfire.

His illness took a slow progression and he fought a good fight for nearly 12 years.  His doctors told him he was “strong like bull”.

Duane is survived by his spouse, Luann and daughters, Cassandre (Fred) Davis and Jennifer, and grandaughter Melanie.  Du is further survived by his twin, Wayne (Cynthia), his sisters Diane (Kurt) Schmeiser, Susie (Dean) Kelly, Patty (Greg) Deuel and brothers Edward (Terry), and Donald.  He will be missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews especially his godson Jason, niece Carrie and special hunting and fishing buddy Bobby.

Special thanks to Dr. Brian Hettrick who remained vigilant through the years, the staff at United Health Care, St. Catherine’s campus during Duane’s last days, Dr. Paul Barkhouse and the kind, understanding staff at the Froedert & Medical College of Wisconsin Neurosciences Center for allowing Duane the freedom to make decisions for himself.

Du would wish all that knew him to raise a glass, be it an ice-cold beer, a Captain and Coke, or a Brandy-Old Fashioned Sweet (with olives), or a beverage of your choosing and simply honor a life well-lived.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday May 22^nd 2016 at 3:00PM at the Kemper Center Founders Hall in Kenosha. (6501-3^rd Avenue) Visitation with the family will take place on Sunday in Founders Hall beginning at 12:00 noon and will conclude with brief remarks at 3:00PM. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family would be appreciated.