Duane Stemen

COLUMBUS - Duane Lee Stemen, Jr., 92, a resident of Columbus for 64 years, passed away on January 15th. Born October 31, 1931 in Elida Ohio, he was the oldest child of Duane, Sr. and Esther Paul Stemen. Duane is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janice, his daughters Lisa (Paul) Grutsch and Carrie (Andrew) Narcelles and his five grandchildren Benjamin, Lindsay, Joseph, Nathan, and David. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Marlene Follas. Duane graduated from Elida High School in 1950 and served his country as a staff sergeant in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He graduated from Tennessee Tech University, with bachelor of science and master’s degrees in education. Duane worked for the Columbus City Schools for 35 years. He touched countless lives as a sixth grade teacher, elementary principal, and administrator. Duane’s greatest joy was spending time with his five grandchildren and supporting them at all their activities. A lifelong optimist with a keen sense of humor, Duane approached life with a spirit of adventure and could always be counted on to cheer you up. He was a self-taught accomplished artist and painted dozens of vibrant oil paintings in frames that he constructed himself. His paintings won awards at the Westerville Art League shows and were cherished gifts to friends and family. He loved the arts and spent many hours at the Columbus Museum of Art and the Ohio Theatre attending symphony, ballet, and Broadway shows. A lifelong, avid Buckeye football fan, he cheered on the Buckeyes as a season ticket holder for many years and had hoped to see them beat Michigan one more time. He was a young adult when he discovered his love for travel. Throughout his life he visited most of Europe and the US. A favorite destination was Paris which he returned to often. Friends will be welcomed on Saturday, January 20th at Worthington United Methodist Church, 600 N High St 43085. Calling hours begin at 1pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2pm and a reception with follow the service. Please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com to leave a special memory or condolence. If donations are desired, Duane preferred donations to Miracle League of Central Ohio, www.miracleleaguecentraloh.org