Duane Edward Wissel, the fifth son of Henry and Nellie Viola Wissel was born March 10, 1922 near the town of Roca, in Lancaster County Nebraska. The whole family moved to Colorado in 1930 to a farm south of Galatea.


He attended elementary school at a couple of different country schools and graduated from the eighth grade at the Prairie Queen School. He continued his education in Eads and graduated from Eads High School in the spring of 1939.


Duane was a very meticulous and talented individual. These were life traits that shown throughout every endeavor he participated in during his life. When he was growing up he painted pictures which some have been preserved and hang on family walls with pride. They show how his attention to detail and his vision was a step above the normal person. Another example of his attention to detail and talent was when he would begin with a piece of wood and spend many hours making a very detailed toy pop gun. They were so good that many friends would also ask him to make one for them and without hesitation would begin another long and challenging endeavor to make one for them also.


He began his life long career in farming after his graduation. He had his farming career suspended for a time when he was inducted into the United States Army on March 27, 1946 at Fort Logan, Colorado. He was stationed with the 1st Guard Company United States Disciplinary Barracks ASU 5025. He was assigned to the Disciplinary Barracks Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was recommended for further Military Services but was honorably discharged May 15, 1947 with the rank of Corporal.


Upon his return to home he continued his farming career. His operation consisted of farming many acres. As many people remember the 50s were lean times for most. Duane was not different than many people during these times. He continued to develop his life long friendships with the strong grip of determination that is the focal point of survival. He would spend countless hours working on his own operations and help neighbors in the Prairie Queen and surrounding areas cope with the challenges and frustrations of the era. They would all band together and conduct rabbit, coyote, hunts and sell them for money. Goose, duck, quail, elk and deer hunts also.


He also had a passion for hunting but especially firearms. This became evident when Duane, the youngest of five brothers, had to compete for a chance to use the family firearm. This was a percussion cap muzzle loading double barrel shotgun. Stories are told that the use of this and was coveted by all. They didnt have caps to use a lot but that did not deter their ability to fire the gun as match heads would work. Shot was hard to come by but gravel would work and did. One story was that they ran out of black powder to shoot, the one thing that they didnt manufacture themselves. They searched and found that Dad, had some shotgun shells that were black powder. They decided to use the parts to get some bunnies for supper and used several, (the box). Grampa (Dad) found these missing some time later. You can let your imagination determine the outcome.


Duanes upbringing, surroundings, sense of competition and interests had him seeking excellence in everything that he did. If he was involved in something, he was good at it.

He was an instructor for 4H for several years. During this time he instructed the care and maintenance of farming equipment. One of his students, his Nephew Raymond Wissel said that he made this a very interesting and challenging subject. As Raymond told recently, He taught me how to pack a wheel bearing and many of the procedures to follow in taking care of a piece of equipment that I still hold today. During this time he also served as Post Commander of Post 125 of the American Legion.


His attention to detail and talent turned to firearms. He took a lump of wood and carved them into beautiful pieces of art in the form of custom made firearms. The only work that was not completed by him was the mating of an action to a barrel. This was usually done in Hasty, Colorado by the Hinson and McElroy gunsmiths. His reputation grew over the years with repeated efforts and numerous examples of this craft that many shared with him. He continued to develop life long friendships in these endeavors as well. Several of his friends would spend hours and hours reloading ammunition for their own use. This turned into an endeavor of its own.


Firearms were not the extent of his interests and talents. He bowled, was interested in photography, painting, music and probably the most important, golf. The first Eads Golf course which was located south of town, was the true concept of cow pasture pool. Many friends and people started enjoying the aspects of this noble sport and continued to foster enduring friendships. The Eads Golf and Country Club really got legs over a few year span and became official with the new digs at the west edge of town. Duane was a charter member.


The beginning of his association with the sport of golf and the golf club was an association of love and commitment. This was the start of a 42 year affair. He competed in the game of golf and was known by those who knew him as probably the most naturally talented player that they knew. He has won many matches and championships and this is where the nickname Champ began. All that came into contact with him called him such and it was a nomenclature that was earned, not just given. A recent conversation with a fellow competitor and friend said that he was probably the most naturally talented and amazed all with some of the feats he could do with a golf ball.


As his health continued to worsen his ability to actually play the game dwindled and finally he had to stop playing. This never stopped his association with the sport and the people that played it. He would get on his golf cart and watch others play. He would offer coaching to those who would ask. Sometimes when they didnt. It was always a pleasure to share a round of golf together. He was also known as the guardian of the Club House. As some have said they new everything was all right because Champ was there.


As his ability to move became more and more of a challenge, he modified how he kept on the move. If his horse could get him there. Horse was his name for a walker. He turned the actual farming operation over to younger men that have the same passion for farming and love of the land. He was sure of how he wanted things done. As was told recently, if you planted His wheat, it was to be done the first week after the fair, period.


Duane E. Wissel died on May 3, 2007 at the Weisbrod Hospital in Eads at the age of 85.

He is survived by one brother Keith Wissel, two sister in laws Ruby Wissel and Ruth Wissel, eleven nieces and nephews, several cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Nellie Viola Wissel, brothers Paul M., Ward M. and Henry B. Wissel.


Graveside funeral services for Duane were held on Monday, May 7, 2007 at the Eads Cemetery with Rev. Gary Goettel of the Eads United Methodist Church officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the Eads Golf and Country Club in memory of Duane Wissel.


His commitments, promises, pledges never wavered. His word was his bond. He was always there. When a friend needed him he never failed. He will always be the Champ.


Visitation and funeral services were entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home in Eads. Friends may sign the guest book and offer condolences at www.brownfuneraldirectors.com.