June M. Duese

June M. Duese, also affectionately known as Mor-Mor, 88, of Columbia, MO passed on to her heavenly home on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at University Hospital.  Mrs. Duese was a long time resident of Illinois  but moved to Columbia in 1993 to be near family.

She was born in Chicago on June 9, 1925 to Henri and Alice Elmlund.  She started her professional working career as a telephone operator for Illinois Bell Telephone (AT&T) following her graduation from high school. She advanced in her career as an executive secretary and retired from Kraft Foods.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister and the love of her life, husband, Bill Duese.  Mrs. Duese is survived by her three daughters: Kristine Schnarr (Mark) of Columbia; Karin Rooney  (Tim) of Columbia; and Sandy Welch (George) of Hartford, Wisconsin.  She is also survived by four grandchildren: Brian Rooney (Mary) of Kansas City, MO; Joe Rooney (Jeni) of Lee’s Summit , MO; Alison Rooney (Nick Ruble) of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Matthew Schnarr of Washington, D.C.  Her family meant the world to her; she loved them beyond measure and told them so every chance she could.  She will be terribly missed, but her legacy of love and devotion will always be in the hearts of those who knew her.

She was a generous person who supported numerous charities and even though Mrs. Duese loved flowers (especially roses) she would be pleased if, in lieu of flowers, donations were made to the charity of your choice.  Her family would also like to recognize and thank the wonderful, compassionate physicians, nurses and staff at The Neighborhoods by Tiger Place, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, and the University Hospital Palliative Care Team who cared for Mrs. Duese, and especially the 8th floor Ellis nurses who so skillfully and lovingly cared for her in her last days.

A celebration of her life will be held in Chicago at a later date.

Condolences

  1. Sanders Family on November 4, 2013 at 9:59 pm

    We will miss June!! What a lovely special lady!! We are praying for all of you!!! God’s Peace and Comfort to you all!!! —Ephesians 3:16-19



  2. Deb Kelly on November 6, 2013 at 9:30 am

    Dear family of June Duese,

    My loving thoughts and prayers go out to you all as you remember, honor and grieve over your loss.
    Kirstiine, Mark and Matthew — I am thinking of you especially now.

    Love,
    Deb



  3. Dan and Diane Kaschak on November 6, 2013 at 9:55 am

    Our love and thoughts are with you, Kristine, Mark, Matthew and lovely June’s entire family. Heaven has gained an angel!
    Thinking of you, Dan and Diane



  4. Barbara Noonan on November 6, 2013 at 11:08 am

    Although I only met her once, I was touched by her sweetness and authenticity. Her daughters were fortunate in having such a caring mother, and she was lucky to have children who adored her.

    June and your family – you are in my heart.



  5. JoAnn Schnarr on November 7, 2013 at 8:15 am

    Remembering her beautiful smile and her love of playing the piano. She entertained us when we were together. Love to Kristine, Karen and their families.



  6. Karen Wulff on November 7, 2013 at 8:49 pm

    Karin and family,
    Just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Just knowing you, I know that your mother must have been a very special person. You are blessed to have such wonderful memories to hold in your heart.



  7. Amy Messner and the children of TigerSide Preschool on November 17, 2013 at 10:07 pm

    Ms. June meant the world to us! The children looked forward every morning to coming in to Katy Station and giving Ms. June a hug or shaking her hand. Her smile and encouragement meant the world to the children and to the staff of the preschool. She always complimented the TigerSide teachers on their patience, which made us smile. We will miss her dearly and we know that she is in heaven looking down with a smile on all of her children and all of our children. Thank you for sharing your life and love with us, Ms. June!



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