Duane "Big Daddy D" Edward Schillemat, 65, of Munsonville, New Hampshire, passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Born on July 11, 1960, in Keene, NH, he was the son of Edward and Rita Schillemat.

Duane grew up in Munsonville, and graduated from Keene High School in 1978. Deeply devoted to his faith, Duane was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission in Kobe, Japan, and Los Angeles, California, from 1979 to 1981.

On July 30, 1983, Duane married Katharine Mix Haehnel in the Washington DC temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together they shared 43 years of raising seven exceptional children in a home filled with love, chaos, and general mayhem. As empty nesters, they travelled around the world to visit their grandchildren. Duane dedicated many years to church service as a Primary teacher (his favorite calling!), Young Men's President, and Bishop along with many other callings.

A dedicated and hardworking man, he devoted much of his career to water pump installation before founding his own company, Duane Schillemat Services, as a certified water pump installer and general contractor.

Duane cherished time spent with his family, especially his beloved children and grandchildren. He enjoyed teaching his children the games of cribbage and "Hit the Bat," passing along Schillemat family traditions. In his later years, he developed a love for golf, playing at courses all over the country and world while visiting his family. He was a dedicated bowler, rarely missing a Thursday with the Rolling Strikes Senior Bowling League in Brattleboro, Vermont. He once said, "I bowl terribly and I enjoy it." An Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow recipient, Duane continued his service to Scouting as a Scout Leader for many years, including Wood Badge training. Duane also enjoyed running and participated in numerous races including the Demar, New Hampshire, and Green Mountain marathons, and the Mount Washington road race. Duane passed his love of running onto his whole Schillemat Family, and they enjoyed running together as a family in the Summer Sizzler racing series in Hancock, New Hampshire.

He is survived by his loving wife, Katharine, parents Edward and Rita Schillemat; mother-in-law Carole Haehnel; children Kirstin Cooprider and husband Jimmy, Poul Schillemat and partner, Devon Young, Andrea Miguel and husband Roland, Johanna Fournier and husband Jacob, Gretchen Guzman and husband Chris, Peder Schillemat and wife Lora, Geoffrey Schillemat and wife Shelby; sisters Cheryl Phenix and husband Glen, Kristen Schillemat; brothers Daryl Schillemat, his wife Cheryl, Dan Schillemat and his wife Margaret, and David Schillemat and his wife Berna; grandchildren Liam, Katelyn, Landon, Lucy, Samuel, Lincoln, Savannah, Rose, Lily, Eliza, Campbell, Abigail, Annabelle, Benjamin, Callum, Matthew, Finnegan, Hiram, Wren, Grace, Cosette, and Baby Girl Fournier, and many members of his extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, June 25th at 10 A.M. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 130 Summit Road, Keene, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.