Loren B. Duranceau

Loren Bennie Duranceau, age 82, of the town of Pine River, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on November 7, 1940, in Merrill, WI.; the youngest child to the late Ralph E. and Elsa L. (Hassel) Duranceau.  Loren met Aracely Rodriguez in Spain, December, 1976. The two were united in marriage on August 28, 1978 in Madrid.

Loren graduated from Wausau East High School and went on to bravely serve his country by joining the United States Navy. Two years later he transferred to the United States Airforce where he served in Korea and Vietnam as part of the Red Horse Squadron. Loren retired from the military in 1980. He continued his education at the UW-Stout to specialize as a millwright and HVAC and went on to work for the UW-Marathon County till his retirement in 2005.

Loren enjoyed time outdoors fishing, camping, deer hunting, working on the farm and making maple syrup. He also enjoyed family get togethers and playing cards. He was a loyal friend and always there for his family. He is remembered by his family as being a strong courageous man and all-around “Badass”.  He will be sadly missed but his memory will live on.

Loren leaves behind his wife: Aracely ‘Ary’ Duranceau, sons: Steven (Trish) and Jared Duranceau, and daughters: Lori (Dennis) Nasci, Lourdes (fiancé, Daryl Langreck) Rodriguez and Elsa Duranceau, grandchildren: Jennifer, Victoria, Lauren, Katherine, Kristina, Ashley, Matthew, Jackson, Mikaela, Adrianna and Gavin, great grandchildren: Preston, Brianna, Michael, Dominic, Jaylynn, Brooklyn, Emberlyn, Theo and Rex, sisters: Marilyn Kufahl, Eloise Schultz and Goldie Broeren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sons: Preston Ray and Ralph David Duranceau, siblings: Vivian, Alfred, Daryl, Ellen, Arlene, Iris, Lloyd, Jean and Fern, and brothers-in-law: Lawrence, Jack, and Kenneth.

The funeral service for Loren will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 11am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the town of Pine River. Pastor Greg Laska will officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023, from 5pm-8pm at Waid Funeral Home and again on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 10am until the time of the service, at the church.  Burial will take place at a later date.  Military honors will be performed at the church following the service.

The service will be recorded for those unable to attend and will be posted under his obituary on the funeral home website for future viewing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Loren’s name be directed to either St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Merrill, the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.

Family wishes to thank the staff at Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services for their compassion, care and service shown to Loren and his family.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.