Duane “Dino” Edward Semerad
August 17, 1945 - April 9, 2026
Duane “Dino” Edward Semerad, age 80, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, from complications of Alzheimer’s. He was a warm and kind man with a bright smile.
Born August 17, 1945, in Dickinson, North Dakota, Dino moved to Spokane, Washington shortly afterwards with his family. He attended St. Aloysius grade school and Gonzaga Prep. Dino was a student of his father, Ed, who was a home builder in the local Logan Neighborhood, and learned many of his handyman ways in his youth. A graduate of Gonzaga University, Dino spent his junior year studying abroad in Florence, Italy. There he met his Vero Amore, Joanie, and they spent 57 wonderful years together.
After college, Dino enlisted in the Air Force Reserve for 6 years. He moved to Salt Lake City and he and Joanie married in 1969. They have three children together. Dino’s calm and steady ways served him well in his career as an accountant, controller, and insurance agent.
Though he grew up in the green forests of the Northwest, Dino fell in love with red rock deserts and the Wasatch Range. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, bird hunting, snow and water skiing, and riding motorcycles. Cabins in Priest Lake, Idaho, and Brighton Ski Resort were two of his favorite haunts. Dino retrofitted a 1960 Air Force bus for family camping adventures. He also spent the summer of 1980 building his own backyard swimming pool which became a favorite gathering spot for friends and family. A talented and competitive athlete, he excelled in high school football, and later handball and racquetball. He was a lover of music and played the violin for most of his life.
Dino cherished his family, including his children Gretchen (Jeff), Nate (Nicole), and Sarah (Chris), and grandchildren, Logan, Sadie, James, Dylan, Malen, and Miller.
A celebration of Dino’s life will be on Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the parking on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Dino’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.
In Loving Memory
All the Samuel Quigley family send their most sincere condolences to Dino’s wonderful family. His passing is the loss of a great human being!
Dino was one of the coolest people I ever met. A great sportsman, talented carpenter, wonderful husband and father, but most of all a kind man. May you rest in peace Dion.
We are so Blessed to have had Dino be a part of our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Dearest Joanie and Semerad Family, Dave and I met Dino in Fremont. They came to visit when they were just out of college, I think. I'll never forget that visit. What a darling couple they were. I was lucky enough to spend time with the two of them occasionally through these years. Dino was a wonderful human. Heaven is lucky to have him.
Dino’s quiet kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered. I thoroughly enjoyed my stops in Salt Lake on the way to/from Gonzaga and am forever grateful to Dino and Joan for the hospitality. My heart goes out to Sarah and all of the Semerad Family.
I figure anyone who would ride horses with me through the prickly brushes and cedar trees to Dry Lake and upon arrival light up a cigarette was going to be the best brother-in- law ever. And he truly lived up to that day throughout all the years. I love you so much, my dear friend. 💕
Such memories of Gonzaga years and Florence time. Gratitude. Dino’s goodness remains to guide us all. We were and are blessed by his kindness and authenticity. Deep love to you, Joanie, and your whole family.❤️
We were friends at Gonzaga oh so many years ago. It is wonderful to read the thoughts of many who enjoyed his friendship over the years and to see the pictures of his and Joan’s beautiful family. He is with Our Lord now.
Dino sounds like an amazing person and someone I would have liked to hike with. My deepest sympathy to the entire family. May the memories you share be a warm hug in this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss. As a fellow Gonzaga graduate I have fond memories of Dino. My love and prayers to his family.
In Loving Memory
