Duane “Appy” A. Appenzeller, 81, of Delavan, passed away on June 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).
Born on May 26, 1945, in rural Delavan to Arthur and Emma Appenzeller, Duane graduated from Delavan High School in 1963 and proudly served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968.

Following his military service, Duane held a variety of jobs before taking over the family farm in 1971. Farming was more than a livelihood for Duane, it was a way of life that he cherished for more than five decades. He farmed for much of his life and also operated Precision Plus Auto Body in Hopedale. Duane was a member of the Tremont Masonic Lodge No 462 and the Minier American Legion Post 448. He was also a member of St. John’s United Christian Church, Minier.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Carolyn.

On April 3, 2014, Duane married Cindy Coggins after more than 25 years together. Their relationship began in 1989 and was built on love, companionship, laughter, and a lifetime of shared memories.

Duane is survived by his wife, Cindy; Joe (Carrie) Watts of Delavan and Jim (Rebecca) Watts of Rochester, who held a special place in his heart as sons; his “bonus son,” Ben Ross, who earned a place in the family and in Duane’s heart over the years; stepdaughter Nicole Watts of Seattle, WA; stepson Brian (Michelle) Nafziger of Cincinnati, OH; stepdaughter Brenda Nafziger of Pekin; and his cherished grandchildren, Austin, Leighton and Westin Watts of Delavan; Jaelyn, Jensen and Jaden Watts of Rochester; Kaleb Antonucci of Manhattan, KS; and Willow Watts of St. Paul, MN. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends.

Visitation was held on Friday, June 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan. Funeral services followed at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. There were no graveside services. Cremation rites have been accorded. Immediately following the service friends and family were to the Farmhouse Banquet Center (120 E 5th Street, Delavan) for a meal and fellowship.

The family is especially grateful for the care Duane received from the staff at OSF Healthcare Cancer Institute throughout his illness and for the many ImpactLife blood and platelet donors whose generosity provided him with precious additional time with family and friends during his battle with MDS. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Delavan Ambulance Service (510 Pine Street, Delavan, IL 61734) or the Hopedale Lions Club (PO Box 13, Hopedale, IL 61747). Those wishing to honor Duane’s memory may also do so by donating blood with ImpactLife, the local community blood center, helping provide the same life-saving gift that meant so much to him. Condolences can be mailed to Cindy at PO Box 304 Delavan, Illinois 61734.