Obituary: Haney

96 years old, Duane Eugene Haney of Fairbury, Illinois passed into the grace of God on January 7, 2026.

The son of Audlie C. Haney and Esther Eddington, was born on December 4, 1929 in a farm house west of Washburn, Illinois on land farmed by his Grandfather, Lewis Haney.  He attended Illinois State University and the University of Illinois majoring in Agriculture.

Following graduation, he married Margaret Gentes on September 16, 1951.  They were devoted to each other sharing a loving life together for 74 years.  Duane began farming in Chenoa on the family farm with his father-in-law, Clifford Gentes until he was called to the Army (1951 –1953).  He served during the Korean War, teaching Korean rice farmers about agricultural techniques.  After he was discharged from the Army, he returned to his life-long career passion of farming in Chenoa.  

Duane and Margaret raised three children, Daryl, Denise, and Carol.  Duane was one of the founding leaders of the Space Age Pioneers 4-H club, which began in his home.  On occasion, he also did substitute teaching for agriculture classes at Chenoa High School.  Duane was actively involved in his church, Trinity Lutheran Church, serving in different positions on the church board.    In addition, he served on the Chenoa District #9 school board.  Duane and Margaret were selected to be Mr. Mrs. Chenoa 4th of July.  He loved life and all those who shared it with him.  He took advantage of every opportunity to capture it in his love of photography.  He shared his love of horses with his daughter, Carol and granddaughters Jennifer and Tara as well as volunteer work at Horses Help while in Arizona.

In the fall of 2011, he studied and passed his technician class amateur radio license and was granted the call sign KC9AUS. And later studied and upgraded to the general class license.  He was a member of the amateur radio club in the Scottsdale/Mesa, Arizona area where they wintered for several years.  He always greeted everyone he saw and never hesitated to introduce himself to people he didn’t know, striking up a conversation, much to the embarrassment of his children. They were amazed with how many people he knew and befriended.  He was the most kind and loving father anyone could ever wish for.  He was always there for his children and always the teacher guiding them through life’s lessons.  He will be missed and cherished forever.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Haney, their children, Daryl (Barbara), Denise (Aleandro) DiGianfilippo, and Carol (Scott) Stansbury, beloved grandchildren Jennifer (AJ) Crowe, Tara Sabagul, Bryon, Mark, and Matt DiGianfilippo, Allison (Matt) Steele, Jon (Danielle) Gooding, Andy (Tandra) Gooding, Brad (Laura) Stansbury, and great grandchildren Aiden and Anna Crowe; Ella Sabagul; Madison and Tatum DiGianfilippo; Clark and Elliot Steele; Alexis, Jacsen, Jarret, Joshua, Emilee, and Ashlyn Gooding; Bailey, Peyton, and Charli Gooding; Jayden and Samantha Stansbury; and many dear relatives and friends.

Duane’s funeral will be 11:00 am Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa with Pastor Kyle Ronchetto officiating.  Burial will be in Chenoa Twp. Cemetery with full military rites.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 pm Monday, January 12, 2026 and 10:00 to 10:45 am Tuesday at the memorial home.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at Fairview Haven, the place where he called home for the past 6 years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Chenoa; or Serenity Villa, Fairbury.