Duane Dallas Hem, age 70, of Montgomery, IL, peacefully passed away at AccentCare Hospice in Naperville, IL on Sunday, March 10, 2024 following an all-too-brief battle with glioblastoma. He was surrounded by the comforting presence and love of his family.

Duane, known by his close friends and family as "Duy" or "Du," was born September 1, 1953 in Aurora, IL, the son of Oliver and Arlene (Lehman) Hem. He grew up in Oswego on the fifth-generation Hem family farm, founded in 1843. After high school graduation, Duane went on to work as a train conductor for BNSF Railway and retired 31 years later.

Above all, Duane was a devoted husband to Dawn and a loving father to Heidi (Greg Hanselman) Hem, Dr. Derek (Morgan) Hem, and Chad (Marisa) Gullickson. He was a proud grandfather to Ashton, Reese, Ethan, Maren, Emma and Carter, and a beloved brother of Arlynn (Dr. Henri) Manasse and Ronald (Janet) Hem. He was also survived by his mother-in-law Delores Bay and sister-in-law Terri Krause. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Duane and Dawn enjoyed spending time together with family, fishing, taking annual trips to Ludington, MI, and traveling the backroads of the continental U.S. Duane treasured his children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, and embraced his moments with them. He enjoyed the small things in life: making delicious meals for his family, cheering for the White Sox and Fighting Illini, watching Andy Griffith, listening to classic rock, and emphatically competing in nightly Jeopardy.

Duane was known as "the life of the party." He brought joy to every occasion with his bright smile and charismatic personality. All those who loved him will never forget his selflessness, compassion, and humor. He will be greatly missed, but his spirit will live on in the laughter and love he left behind.

His family extends their heartfelt gratitude for all of the support given during this difficult time. A memorial visitation will be held Friday, March 22 between the hours of 1:30-4:30 PM, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life from 4:30- 5:30 PM at DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 S. Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Nervous System Tumor Bank Brain & Spinal Cord Donation Program to further research for glioblastoma using the following webpage: Give to the Northwestern University Nervous System Tumor Bank:  www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/nstb/patients-families/give.html

Give to the Northwestern University Nervous System Tumor Bank.

For information:  630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com