Dr. Duane W. Taebel was born in Lombard, Illinois in 1934. After graduating from the Glenbard High School, he continued his education at Beloit College and graduated in 1956 cum laude, majoring in biology. After Beloit, he was the recipient of a full scholarship to the University of Chicago School of Medicine. He received his doctorate in medicine in 1960 and was the recipient of the Mosby Book Award as the top student in his senior class.

After graduation, he remained at the University of Chicago Hospitals as an intern, a resident in the specialty of internal medicine, and was Chief Medical Resident in 1964. He then received a fellowship for the study of gastroenterology and served as an instructor in the U. of Chicago School of Medicine until 1966.

In July 1966, the Taebel family decided to leave Chicago and their choice was to come to La Crosse and Gundersen Clinic. Just before the move was to take place, Duane received his draft notice. He dutifully joined the Army in October, 1966 and was stationed at Fort Devens Army Base, 40 miles northwest of Boston.

The Taebels finally got to La Crosse in 1968.

At Gundersen Clinic, he developed the subspecialty area of Gastroenterology. In 1978, he was selected Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine. He was President of the La Crosse Lutheran Hospital medical staff in 1973-1974. He also became active in the medical society and was President of the La Crosse County Medical Society in 1976. He initially served as a delegate to the State Medical Society and subsequently was first Vice-Speaker and the Speaker of the House of Delegates of the State Medical Society from 1983 to 1988.

Duane’s involvement with civic activities included his membership on the Coulee Region Festival of Arts of which he was vice-president. He served on the council of English Lutheran Church and joined the Executive Board of the Boys’ and Girls’ Club in 1987 and was vice-president and then President in 1992. He continues on the Board and is chairman of the program committee.



Duane and his wife, Carol Ann, have three children. Scott and his wife, Paula, live in Columbus Ohio. Heidi and her husband, Ernest, had the first grandchild, Emily and live in Douglas, Arizona. David, who teaches at Stoughton High School, will marry Amy Mackeben on May 27^th, 1995.