Obituary of Duane A. Krieger

Duane Art Krieger, 87 of Shorewood, IL passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.  He proudly spent his final days benefitting from his life’s work, Lightways Hospice (formerly Joliet Area Community Hospice) surrounded by his family and so many friends. 

Duane was born on October 22,1936 in Burlington, Iowa and attended Mount Union Community School before attending the University of Iowa. While conducting his internship at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Dodge, Iowa, he met the love of his life, Dolores (Dee).  They were married on June 14, 1958, which Duane chose because it was also Flag Day and he knew he would never forget their anniversary.  And for 65 years he never did.   In 1957 he moved to Joliet to work at St. Joseph’s Hospital and enlisted in the U.S. Army.  After his honorable discharge, he returned to Joliet and continued his work at St. Joe’s. 

Duane worked as the Radiology Manager at St. Joseph’s Hospital for 35 years before he was elected Will County Coroner in 1988.   He served in that role for four years.  In 1992 he joined Joliet Area Community Hospice as CEO and soon created the first in-patient hospice in Illinois.  He proudly led the capital campaign that allowed JACH to move into a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in 2004, ultimately becoming Lightways Hospice.  He retired, twice, from his employment in hospice but never stopped working for its benefit.

Duane is survived by his wife, Dolores “Dee” Krieger, nee Carpenter, his children Danette, Diane (Dave Welch) and Douglas (Kristi); his grandchildren Megan (Matthew) Hamill, Kelly (Josh) Snow, Austin (Genevieve) Welch, Abbie (Manny) Monroy, Anderson Welch, Eric and Kirsten Krieger; his great-grandchildren Ethan and Lincoln Bottoms and Nolan Welch, his brothers Dennis (Katie) and Miles (Deb).  Duane was preceded in death by his parents Laurel and Vesta Krieger.

All are invited to join the family at a wake on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 5 pm to 8 pm at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet.  Funeral services will begin Saturday morning, June 8, 2024, 10 am at the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church in Shorewood, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am. A luncheon will follow at Al’s Steakhouse.

In lieu of flowers, Duane’s most sincere wish was support for Lightways Hospice.  Please consider a donation in his name.
Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 or https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E8182&id=1

Cheers.

For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.