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Obituary for Duane A. Fidler
Duane Allen Fidler, age 75, of Chrisman, IL, passed into heaven on October 14, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital with his loving wife and daughter by his side.
Duane was born August 11, 1945 to Allen O. and Ercel Ellsberry Fidler in Paris, IL. He was nicknamed in his early years as “Joe,” having been born a “GI Joe” baby.
He graduated from Chrisman High School, Class of 1964. He enlisted in the US Navy Reserves as a junior in high school and went to basic training the following summer. He attended Danville Community College for two years; also during this time he learned his lifetime vocation of meatcutter at the IGA in Chrisman. Duane, sometimes called “Fid,” met Anita “Kay” Collom of Ridge Farm and they married on July 16, 1967 at the Chrisman First Baptist Church, prior to Duane being called to serve his country in Viet Nam. They celebrated 53 years of marriage this summer.
A daughter, Laura Stacey “Buffy” Fidler was born to Duane and Kay in San Diego, CA. Over the years, Duane planned and took his family on vacations, tent camping and sightseeing, always enjoying the history of those destinations. He and Kay later learned to golf and took some trips with their clubs in tow.
Duane was a meatcutter by trade. He was a member of the UCFW and retired from Eagle County Market in 2003. He retired from the Navy Reserves in 1991, after more than 20 years of service.
Duane liked being part of his hometown, Chrisman. Years ago, he was a member of Knawbone Riders Motorcycle Club. He took classes and enjoyed photography as a hobby, winning blue and red ribbons at the Georgetown Fair. He was a Chicago Cubs and Bears fan since “way back.” He was an active member of the American Legion Post #477. He was a Chrisman firefighter for 20 years, serving as Fire Chief for 13 years. He also served as Coordinator for Edgar County Emergency Services for seven years. He and Kay were original members of the Chrisman Area Community Club. He was currently serving on the Edgar County 911 Board. He enjoyed the camaraderie with the “guys” at the local coffee shop.
Duane was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church in Chrisman, where he held various duties as currently was serving as a Deacon.
Duane was preceded by his parents, Ercel and Allen; and his sister, Nancy Craig. Duane is survived by his wife, Kay; his daughter Laura Fidler (Bob Fowler) of Marshall; his granddaughter, Ashley Fowler Kennedy (Johnnyray) of Paris; a great-granddaughter, Kylie Kennedy; his sister, Anita Craft of Las Vegas, NV; brother-in-law, William R. Craig of Carlinville; brother-in-law “Biff” Collom of Urbana; sisters-in-law Carol Mohr of Urbana and Charlene Szollosi of Ozark, AL; nephews: Scott (Joleen) Craig of Carlinville and his son, Kaleb, James Todd, John Cullen Todd, and Sean Todd of Paris, and Matt Craft of Las Vegas, NV, Kevin Bush (Michelle) and Nathan Bush (Tammy), also of Ozark, AL; nieces: Dana Mohr of St. Joe, and Kristin (James) Maley, with baby Maley expected next month, of Urbana; and several great nieces and nephews.
A graveside funeral will be held on Monday, October 19, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. at Hoult Cemetery. The family requests that attendees wear warm and casual attire, and please follow CDC guidelines for social distancing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 477 or Chrisman Firemen’s Association. Online messages of sympathy may be left at www.krabelfuneralhome.com.
