Obituary of Frank Richard Duis

FRANK R. “MOE” DUIS STERLING-Frank R. “Moe” Duis, 87, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning August 12, 2015 at CGH Medical Center. Frank was born October 3, 1927, the son of Frank Edward and Pearl Duis. He married Barbara Wiseheart on December 1, 1951. A graduate of Sterling Public Grade Schools and Sterling Township High School, he attended two years of college at Northern Illinois University then transferring to University of Wisconsin, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1953. He received his Master’s in Education degree from the University of Illinois in 1967. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1946-1948, where he was in charge of Recreation and Sports in the United States Naval Ammunition Depot on Crane, IN. He excelled in track and cross country, earning All American Honor’s in cross country track at the University of Wisconsin. He taught science and coached track and various other sport activities in college and high school levels of school from 1953 – 1965. He left teaching at Challand Junior High School in 1965 to become Director of Parks and Recreation for the Sterling Park District, a position he held from 1965-1988. As Park Director he was responsible for the Oppold Marina a paracourse and his pride and joy, the Frank R. Duis Recreation Center. He guided the Sterling Park District to the National Gold Medal Award in 1977 and 1984, for excellence in the field of park and recreation management. He received great help and support from Frank Astary, Bill Eberly, Jim Fraser, Pete Dillon and Jack Webb. The goals he achieved would have been difficult hadn’t it been for their sacrifice. Retiring in 1988, he enjoyed playing golf, following University of Wisconsin football and basketball, spending the winters at the Villages in Florida and quality time with his beloved wife Barbara of 64 years, his two sons, granddaughter and great grandchildren. He loved them all. He had many friends and will be missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Duis; two sons, Jim (Maria) Duis of Rock Falls and Joe (Becky) Duis of Sterling; his granddaughter, Natalie (Jake) Amesquita; great granddaughter’s, Quin and Kenna Amesquita; brother, Perry (Cathy) Duis of Naperville; sister-in-law, Betty Duis of Concord, CA; two nieces; two nephews; five step-grandchildren; and twelve step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Howard Livingston and a brother Jack. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, August 17, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sterling, with Leo Patterson, interim pastor, officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-5 PM at the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial has been established to scholarship funds through the Sterling Schools Foundation. Condolences may be sent to schillingfuneralhome.com.