In the early morning hours of February 2, 2016, Clinton Duane Wilde, 87, overcame his battle with dementia/Alzheimer's. He was finally free of the body that had robbed him of so much in these last years.

Duane was born on July 18, 1928, in New Glarus Township to Clinton and Neva (Weir) Wilde. He attended Spring Valley Country School and New Glarus High School.

On June 18, 1947, at the Swiss United Church of Christ, he wed the woman whose heart he claimed he won by tying her shoe at a dance, Elaine Klitzke. He would spend the next sixty-two years caring, spoiling, loving and building a life with her. Together they raised four children, Gary (Randa) Wilde, Bob (Connie) Wilde, Sherry Wilde, and Wanda (Allan) Legler.

Duane's life was filled with a variety of occupations and projects. From 1956 to 1974 he traveled the country as a Greyhound bus driver. In addition, he was involved with the operation of a sawmill, a motel/restaurant, and a trucking company. In 1967 he and Elaine built and operated the Swiss-Aire Motel in New Glarus. Duane went on to become a broker and developer, opening Wilde Real Estate with daughter, Sherry.

Duane was proud to be a member of Masonic Lodge # 310. He and Elaine were also members of the Order of Eastern Star, where he served as Worthy Patron for three years. Duane was a charter member of the Edelweiss Country Club, served as President of the New Glarus Chamber of Commerce, and served as a village board member. Duane was also a member of the committee establishing the Sugar River Trail and sat on the original board of directors.

Duane will be remembered as a loving and caring grandpa to his ten grandchildren, Chris (Stacey) Wilde, Dia (Shane) Sparby, Amy Davey, Tara Wilde, Bonnie (Michael) Sigman, Aaron (Sherri) Wilde, Brandon Legler, Brooke (Joe) Skidmore, Clinton Legler, and Chase (Haley) Legler. Whether it was playing hide and seek, teaching them how to drive or simply listening to their problems, he was always there for them and was truly a wonderful grandpa.

He is further survived by twelve great-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. Duane is also survived by very special lady, Joyce Richardson, whose love, care, and companionship these past years meant the world to him.

Duane was welcomed by those who preceded him in death, his parents; wife, Elaine; son, Bob; brother, Reggie; and sisters, Mildred, Dorothy and Lorraine.

Per Duane's wishes, a private family gathering will be held.

"I am not a body. I am free. I hear the voice that God has given me, and it is only this my mind obeys. In immortality you live forever."

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.

An online memorial with guestbook is available at http://www.bealfuneralhomes.com.