Joseph  F.  Duren, age 87 of Cazenovia passed away on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013 at the Sauk County Health Care Center, Reedsburg.

He was born on April 20, 1926 in Westford Township, Richland County, Wis.,  the son of Jake and Clara (Bodendein) Duren.  He proudly served his country during World War II in the Navy having served at Pearl Harbor, Saipan, Nagasaki, and Hiroshima within two weeks after the atomic bomb.  He returned home and was married to Laverne Vlasak on Aug. 17, 1948 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Cazenovia.  This marriage was blessed with six children.  Joseph was a proud farmer, did custom round baling and enjoyed his John Deere tractor.  He went on many deer hunting trips with his family to the cabin at Hayward.  Spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren provided great joy in his life and he loved them all.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Laverne, brothers; Donald, Dean and Raymond; sister,  Janice Braun.

He is survived by his children: Monica (Dale) Marshall of Elroy; David Duren of Cazenovia; Margaret (John) Roloff of Wonewoc; Mary (Ronald) Pyfferoen of Cazenovia; Joseph (Kathleen) Duren of LaValle; Kenneth (Beverly) Duren of Reedsburg; 12 grandchildren; 18 greatgrandchildren; brothers, Jerome Duren of DeForest; Paul (Mary Lou) Duren of Waunakee; sister, Jeannette Michaels of Green Bay; nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends.

We honor his life with a funeral service on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013 at 11 a.m. in the Cazenovia Chapel with Fr. Lorin Bowens officiating.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 3-7 p.m. at the Cazenovia Chapel. A Rosary Prayer service will be prayed at 6:30 p.m.   Burial will be made in the Czech National Cemetery with military graveside rites being conducted by the Cazenovia American Legion Post 491.

The Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.