Duaine Kanwischer

Duaine Clarence Kanwischer was born March 3, 1941, to Clarence and Bernice (Krahler) Kanwischer in Hamberg, Wells County, N.D.

Duaine grew up on a farm near Hamberg. Upon graduating from the University of North Dakota he became a hospital/nursing home administrator for Lutheran Hospital and Homes. While president of the Wyoming Health Care Assoc., he wrote the policy and procedures for the national swing bed program of hospitals and often lobbied in Washington, D.C.

He belonged to the Custer City Masonic Lodge No. 66 in Custer, S.D., was a Scottish Rites Mason and  belonged to the Naja Shrine of Deadwood, S.D. He also belonged to many benevolent organizations throughout his life.  

Duaine enjoyed being outdoors, camping, hunting from his hunting camp in the Black Hills, snow-mobiling, ATVing and visiting every national park he could, while being a paraplegic on crutches since the age of 17.

Duaine died Dec. 29, 2019, in Mesquite, Nev. He was 78.  

He was preceded in death by his sister, Cindy (Kevin) Durrant; and sister-in-law Delores (William) Kanwischer.  

Duaine is survived by his wife, Nancy (Camara), whom he married Dec. 10, 1980, in Flagstaff, Ariz.; brothers, Dennis (Janice) and Jerry (Ruth) of Fessenden, N.D., William of Bismark, N.D., Allen (Christie) of Wheatland, Wyo., and Dannie (Nancy) of Fargo, N.D.; sister, Judy (Dale) Degenstien of Fargo; and many nieces and nephews. 

Donations may be made at your local Rotary club for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their guest book at virginvalleymortuary.com.