Eastern Michigan Athletics
E-Club Hall of Fame Member Duane Zemper Passes Away at 96
7/19/2016 10:46:00 AM | Men's XC, Men's Track & Field, E-Club
Zemper was an accomplished cross country and track & field runner with Eastern
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) - Eastern Michigan University men's cross country and track & field alumnus Duane Zemper passed away this past weekend, July 17, at the age of 96.
Zemper, who was inducted into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1990, was a fantastic distance runner for the Green and White, participating in both cross country and track & field. As a cross country harrier, Zemper became a two-time NCAA Division I All-American, earning the honor in 1940 and 1941. As a member of the 1941 squad, he helped the EMU to their highest NCAA finish ever, bringing home silver.
He also brought home all-state honors in 1939 and 1940. On the track & field side, Zemper was a member of the two-mile relay team that was among the best in the country at the time.
During World War II, Zemper served in the U.S. Air Force, and was sent to photography school at Yale. Following his service, he settled in the Howell area, where he became a photographer and was named Howell Area Citizen of the Year in 1976. In addition to being a long-time photographer, he became a volunteer with the Howell Area Archives, working to preserve old photo collections.
Arrangements for the funeral are currently being discussed, however his final resting place will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.
Zemper, who was inducted into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1990, was a fantastic distance runner for the Green and White, participating in both cross country and track & field. As a cross country harrier, Zemper became a two-time NCAA Division I All-American, earning the honor in 1940 and 1941. As a member of the 1941 squad, he helped the EMU to their highest NCAA finish ever, bringing home silver.
He also brought home all-state honors in 1939 and 1940. On the track & field side, Zemper was a member of the two-mile relay team that was among the best in the country at the time.
During World War II, Zemper served in the U.S. Air Force, and was sent to photography school at Yale. Following his service, he settled in the Howell area, where he became a photographer and was named Howell Area Citizen of the Year in 1976. In addition to being a long-time photographer, he became a volunteer with the Howell Area Archives, working to preserve old photo collections.
Arrangements for the funeral are currently being discussed, however his final resting place will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.
2025 E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony
Saturday, October 11
E-Club Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Cinematic Recap
Saturday, October 11
E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame - Bill Tuscany
Friday, October 10
E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame - Ben Reese
Friday, October 10