Duane Sandler

Duane 'Coach' Sandler, 81, of Moline, IL, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, September 21, 2012. Visitation will be Sunday, September 23rd, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline. Services will be Monday, September 24th, at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenview Memorial Park in Silvis, IL. Memorials may be made to the family to be used in the future for a memorial plaque or bench at Wharton Field House. Duane John Sandler was born in Moline on May 1, 1931, to Irvine and Edith (Fredrickson) Sandler. On December 28, 1952, in Moline, he married Mary Schneekloth, who survives. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 at Fort Smith, AR. He graduated from Moline High School. He won nine letters in sports, including four in a single season. As a pitcher in high school, Duane had offers from the St.Louis Browns, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago White Sox. And he still holds the record for the longest punt return in Moline football - 109 yards! Duane was a teacher, and coach for football and basketball for thirty-five years, thirty-one of those years spent at Wilson Junior High School. He was a member of the Svithiod Club, the East End Club, and a former member of Friends Circle Club. He was an avid golfer, and throughout his golfing career, had six hole-in-ones. In addition to Mary, his wife of 59 years, survivors include: his beloved daughter, Stacey (Willie) Ashby of Moline, a brother, Lee (Shirley) Sandler also of Moline; several special nieces and nephews; and his wonderful granddog, 'Izzie'. Duane cherished all of his wonderful family, friends, and former students and athletes. He was preceded in death by his parents.

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