Duane Harold Bredeson Sr.

On April 23, 2025 Duane Harold Bredeson, Sr "Duey" passed away after a well lived and fulfilling life. He was born in Madison on August 4, 1931 to Roy and Pearl (Osmundsen) Bredeson. Duey grew up in Madison swimming and fishing in the lakes and Yahara River. He was an Eagle Boy Scout and attended the International Jamboree in France as a member of the Madison Drum and Bugle Core. He attended East and West High Schools and graduated from the University of Wisconsin.

In 1947 in Mr. Paugh’s West High history class Duey spied Marilyn Maso to his right, one row and two seats ahead. Duey recalled “it was love at first site, she had a saucy bounce to her walk and a gentle, shy demeanor." Thus was the love affair that would last 78 years including 73 of marriage. They were completely devoted to each other, raising a family in New Orleans, Houston and Madison. They spent 26 years of their retirement in Vero Beach, Florida before returning to Madison in 2019 with Marilyn constantly by his side as he recovered from many health issues.

Duey worked for Shell Oil Co. as a geologist, then moved back to Madison where he owned 2 AAMCO Transmission Franchises. Upon selling them he began a career in real estate as a founder of Horizon Investment and Development and Bay Tree Real Estate Group. He was a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserves, Downtown Rotarian, past President of the YMCA, a Deacon at Christ Presbyterian Church and Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 5.

He was dedicated to his family and his favorite activities were traveling, fishing and spending time with his friends and family. He took the family on many vacations camping in the west and beaches in Florida and Bahamas. Children in the neighborhood voted the Bredeson Family vacations “the best!”

Duey is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughters Diane Eberhardt (Wolfgang) of Berlin Germany, Susan Bredeson, Ft. Peirce, FL, Sons Dewey Bredeson (Sandra) Madison, WI and David Bredeson (Diana) Sydney Australia, 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his parents, sister Barbara Anderson and brother Ronald Bredeson.

There will be an open house celebration of Duey’s life to be held at Capitol Lakes, 333 West Main St. Madison, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on August 9, 2025. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to BSA Troop 5.

The family would like to thank the staff at Capitol Lakes Health Center for the wonderful care he received the last 7 years.

Please share your memories of Duey by posting in his Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Services

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434