Duwayne Statz

Maple Bluff/ Waunakee - MADISON - DuWayne William. Statz, age 66, of Madison, passed away Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, peacefully and unexpectedly at his home from heart disease.

DuWayne was born in Madison, on March 1, 1948, to William Statz and Ann Statz. He grew up in Waunakee and attended Waunakee High School. He received a bachelor's of science degree in organic chemistry from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and he worked as an oncologic chemist for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF-- later Hazelton Laboratories) for 15 years, heading a lab that developed compounds to fight cancer. Spurred by a love of and fascination with the stock market, he went on to work as a senior investment advisor for Robert W. Baird and company for over 30 years, where he was known and respected for his care and careful planning for his clients and deep passion for his work.

As devoted as he was to work, DuWayne's greatest love in life was family. He maintained strong lifelong ties to his siblings, was a devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandpa to eight lucky kids with whom he spent quality time as often as he could. He was an active member of the Waunakee Rotary and was instrumental in fundraising for the new St John's Church and the endowment fund for the St. John's School. In his spare time when he wasn't fishing or picking apples with his grandkids he enjoyed collecting coins and reading about developments in science. The family was fortunate enough to spend this past Christmas all together. His kind and gentle affect, inspiring optimism, and abiding work ethic and loyalty will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Statz and Ann Statz. He is survived by his first wife, Kris Knight; spouse, Roberta Valle-Statz; siblings, Margie (Lincoln R.) Borgrud, Patricia (Tom) Endres, Mary Beth (Richard) Hellenbrand, and Jayne (Jan) Friedlander; children, Gretchen Statz-Johnson (Tony Johnson), Ben Statz (Katy Lederer), Ticia Valle (Jason Mendler) and Binty Valle; and his grandchildren, Connor, Caleb, Ava, Megan, Grayson, Gloria, Isaac and Zoe.

Visitation will initially be held Tuesday Jan. 13, 2015, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at WINN-CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 5785 Highway Q in Waunakee. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, at 11 a.m. at ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, 209 South St. in Waunakee, with prior visitation starting at 10 a.m.

Please share your memories at www.CressFuneralService.com .

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, Wisconsin