Duane E. Dager, 93, of Decatur, IN, former longtime resident of Monroeville, IN, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Adams Woodcrest in Decatur, IN. He was a “real life nephew of Uncle Sam, born on the 4th of July”, in Jefferson Twp Allen Co. IN.
He loved his childhood in Tillman, IN. He graduated from Monroeville High School in 1950 and was active in sports.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952 during the Korean War. After basic training he was sent to Fort Sam Houston to learn to be an operating room technician. For further training he was sent to Walter Reed Army Hospital in Maryland. In November, 1953 he was ordered to U.S. Army Hospital in Bremerhaven, Germany and became a surgical nurse.
He received several honors and awards for his exemplary work such as Soldier of the week, Solider of the month, etc… He was promoted to the rank of Corporal. He was honorably discharged from the Army in November, 1954. On December 18, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Rosemary Marquart and they became soulmates. They lived in Monroeville, IN and had 2 daughters.
He belonged to New Haven IOOF Lodge until it closed. He belonged to the Monroeville Masonic Lodge F. & A.M. #293 and then transferred to the New Haven Masonic Lodge F & A.M. #740. He also belonged to Monroeville Liars Club and Four Presidents Corner Historical Society.
He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Monroeville and had a deep love for God. He volunteered at church activities. He was a humble, kind, quiet, gentleman who dearly loved his family and country.
He was an active member of his community and volunteered and helped at many civic events and organizations. He listened to many country and western musical programs and learned to yodel and play harmonica. He enjoyed square dancing.
He watched NASCAR Racing, any gospel and bluegrass musicians on T.V. He was a fan of IU basketball and various football games.
He liked working with wood and made several items of furniture and picture frames for his home.
He was employed at Fruehauf Trailer Co. where he was taught to be a welder. He then was employed at IHC-Navistar Co. where he retired in 1994. He also worked part time in his father-in-law’s firm, The Marquart Funeral Home, Inc.
He was on the Honor Flight in 2013 to Wasington D.C.
In 2024 he and Rosemary moved to Adams Woodcrest to enjoy the retirement community and activities. Duane became ill in 2025 and in April of 2026 he became a resident in Woodcrest Nursing Home.
He is survived by his wife of over 71 years, Rosemary, his daughters, Gail (David) Matthews, grandsons, Anthony Gordon, Alex (Sara) Gordon, 3 great grandchildren, step grandchildren, Sarah (Stu) Stephan, Katie Matthews, Allison Bryan, 7 step great grandchildren, brother, Terry (Cathie) Dager and nieces and nephews.
Preceding Duane in death were his daughter, Diane and son-in-law, Scott Feiertag, his parents, Floyd and Edith (Dinger) Dager, brother and sister-in-law, Willis and Bertha Dager, step grandson, Joseph Matthews and step grandson-in-law, Patrick Bryan.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Adams Woodcrest Porter Auditorium and from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral, Decatur.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 11, 2026 also at the funeral home with calling 1 hour prior to service from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Pastor Ralph Klinker will be officiating.
Burial will follow in Monroeville Memorial Cemetery in Monroeville with Military Honors rendered by the American Legion Adams Post 43 Color Guard.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to: Lupus Foundation of America, League for Blind and Disabled or Donor’s Choice.
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