Duane Olaus Wise, 97, of Muncie, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2022. He was born on March 11, 1925, in Albany, Indiana, to parents, Olaus and Paulina (Wood) Wise. Starting in elementary the businessman he was, his first job was selling the Grit Magazine here in Muncie, followed by an evening press route. At 16, he helped his father operate and run a portable grain mill, serving local famers in the area. He was Muncie Central Bearcat graduate with the class of 1943. Soon after graduation, he left for basic training, then served in World War II. He spent his 19th birthday stationed along the Rhine River. Duane served with the 487th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion.
He sailed with his unit to Liverpool, England, and crossed the English Channel for the Battle of Normandy. Upon returning home, he joined the family business at Wise Custom Canning. Expanding into the next business venture with his father and brothers, they began the Wise Locker Plant. Continuing with his love of the ever-changing grocery business, he established Wise Food Markets in 1947. Spanning over the next 50 years, he appreciated
his hardworking employees and loyal Wise Shoppers. Duane also opened up Pier One Imports, Imports and Otherwise, Herbies Hide Away, and Wise Crafter. Duane completed meteorology school, which enabled him to fly his well-known Wise hot air balloon around Delaware County. If you could not find him in the stores, he was out on his farm just north of Muncie. While sometimes still sporting his dress shirt and tie, D.O. would continue his workday to complete the farm work. Duane loved spending time on his purebred Charolais cattle farm, including Sam the Perfecto, a 12-time National titleholder. On the farm, he had a variety of unique animals such as sika deer, elk, buffalo, oryx, ostriches, emus, reindeer, and Barbados sheep. The farm continues to hold a special place for his family. Duane also enjoyed spending time at his home in Siesta Key and sharing it with his family. Duane served on the Board of Directors of White Villa Foods, was a member of the Charolais Cattle Association, a founding member of the Indiana Elk Breeder Association, and a season ticket holder with the Central Bearcats and Ball State Cardinals. He always got a chuckle telling people he was a member of the NBA, the National Buffalo Association.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Olaus and Paulina Wise, brother George and wife Mary Ellen Wise, brother Mark Wise, and mother of his two children Norene Wise.
He is survived by his two children Troy Wise of Muncie, wife Leesa, daughter Dena of Muncie, and husband Ben. Grandchildren Megan Wise, (fiancé Daniel Orozco), Mitchell Wise, Trisha Sarin, (husband Karna), Katie Duncan, Abby Wegener,( husband Jon,)( Natalie Gariety,( husband Austin,) Tara Hyson,( husband Craig,) and Morgan Clark. Great Grandchildren Sadie and Duke Duncan, Samara and Sahil Sarin, Winnie Wegener, and little brother on the way.
His legacy will forever live on with the love of Christmas traditions, Hershey chocolate, Big Band music, and the word "determination" throughout his family. Duane's family would like to thank the caring employees of IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital for helping to make his final days peaceful. Please honor Duane's love of trees by planting a tree in his memory in lieu of flowers

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 24, from 11-1 p.m. at Garden View Funeral Home, funeral will follow at 1: 00 p.m. 10501 State Road 3, Muncie, Indiana 47303. Memorials may be made to Muncie Central Boosters