During the early morning of February 14, 2013, Duane Charles Danforth passed away at his home in Miles City, Montana. He was with his wife at the time of his passing. Duane was 72 years old.
Duane Charles Danforth was born on August 17, 1940 in Miles City. He was the second son of Grace and William C. Danforth. After graduating from Custer County High School, Duane joined the National Guard, and also spent time as a mechanic, before eventually accepting a position guarding the contents of the Montana train car exhibit at the New York World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, Queens. The exhibit featured gold nuggets and C.M. Russell artwork. Duane lived in New York during the length of the World’s Fair, from October of 1964 to spring of 1965, before moving back to Miles City. These years were the only he spent living away from his hometown.
While working as a bartender at the Elks Club (an organization he later joined), Duane met his wife, Sylvia Sue Loendorf, of Billings, Montana. They married at the First Presbyterian Church of Billings on August 26, 1967. Duane worked for Valley Motor/Carquest Auto Parts for over three decades, serving both as a traveling parts salesman and an in-store salesman. Since childhood he had been passionate about automobiles, and had an extensive knowledge of the makes and models of which he was most appreciative.
Duane also had a passion for extensive restoration of the two historic homes he owned and lived in with his wife and family, and was an avid viewer of This Old House long before there were entire television networks dedicated to home renovation. Duane enjoyed cooking and had many signature dishes—chili, Manhattan clam chowder, stuffed peppers and pie (cherry and apple)—were among his favorites to prepare. One of his daughters’-in-law pronounced his seasoned grilled hamburgers as “the very best burger” she ever ate. Duane’s other hobbies included reading, antiquing, classic movies, antique model trains, and collecting vintage coins.
Duane was preceded in death by his father William C. and mother Grace and is survived by his brother Dennis; his wife Sylvia; his son and daughter-in-law, William and Kristi Danforth of Anaconda, Montana, and their five children (Sheldon, Logan, Jessica, Morgan, and Charla); his daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Lonnye Finneman of Billings, Montana and their two children (Claire and Kate); and his daughter and daughter-in-law, emily danforth and Erica Edsell of Providence, Rhode Island.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Miles City Public Library, 1 South 10th Street, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 19, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 19, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Jodi Ridenhower says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God wrap you in his arms and give you comfort. We are praying for comfort and peace for you and your family. Paul & Jodi Ridenhower
Dannette Cremer says
Sylvia, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sarah Peterson says
Sylvia, Emily and Erica, Rachel and family, and William and family,
I am saddened to hear of Duane’s passing. Many thoughts and prayers for you as you celebrate his life.
Mary Schaefer says
Emily and Family, sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Roxie Schwartz says
Lonnye, Rach, and girls…so sorry for your lost. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim R. Smarsh says
Sylvia, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May the memories of Duane help you through this difficult time. And my God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Angie Beaner says
So sorry to hear this. You are in my thoughts.
Bryan and Janel Larson says
Lonnye, Rach – so sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. You guys and the rest of the family are in our prayers.
Bryan, Janel, Daetyn and Kellen
Amanda Niedge says
emily, Erica and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss! May your love and happy memories comfort you as you go thru this trying time. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Sarah Miller says
I am so sorry to hear this news. You are all in my prayers.
Lynn Miller says
Rachel, Lonnye, Claire and Kate,
I am so very sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. It is never easy to say goodbye to a loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Corey and Ginny Jensen Family says
May his peace be with you guys- we are loving and praying over you all.
Tonya Halligan says
I am so sorry. Your entire family will be prayed over during this difficult time. Call if you need anything.
Connie Wethern says
Sylvia
My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your husband. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Fred & Vicky Anderson says
Sylvia and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. He was a good friend and an outstanding person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Fred & Vicky Anderson
Kerrie Reidelbach says
Sylvia – I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Hold onto your wonderful memories as they will comfort you.
Rita Schilling says
You are such a great person Sylvia and I am thinking of you during this difficult time. I wish your family the best.
Loendorf and Ventling Families says
Sylvia and family,
We are truly sorry for your loss. All of you are in our prayers today and the days that follow. Maybe this scripture will lend some comfort to you all. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-11
Love and Blessings,
Ty, Betty, Mike, Kelle, Cortney and Jon
Matt, Sarah, Audrey and Charlotte Stein says
Sylvia, emily, Erica and Family-
We are so sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Ray and Terri (Jardine) Schmidt says
Dear Sylvia and Family,
We are so sorry to learn of Duane’s passing. Please know you are in our family’s hearts and thoughts. We have so many great memories of you and Duane coming into Brewster’s and having coffee. If there is anything at all that we can do, please let us know and please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Mark and Cindy Hamby says
Dear Emily and Erica,
We were so sad to hear about your father! Please know that you are in our hearts as you mourn his loss and reflect on family memories.
Diana Tavary says
Sylvia, I am so very sorry. I pray your faith is strong, and keeps you during this time. Such a difficult time. My heart goes out to the grand babies too. Blessings on you and your family, Di Tavary
Misty and Clay Fox says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I bet Duane was an awesome grandpa! I really enjoyed visiting with him and had to make sure I wasn’t just hanging out in his room because he was a great conversationalist! I’m sure he will be missed. So sorry Kristi and Will, Sylvia, and Rachel and Emily. Misty Carlson
Dave & Cheri Weidner says
Sylvia and family please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Cheri
George & Patcee Bundy says
Sylvia and Family,
Our thoughts are with you. Sorry for your loss. I worked with Duane at Valley Motor from 1971 to 1979. He was a great guy and a pleasure to work with. He taught me a lot about the Auto Parts business. He will be missed.
Marilyn May says
Sylvia and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss and sadness. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace and fond memories in your lonely times.
Sherwood and Rhonda McKay says
Sylvia and family:
We are thinking of you and praying that God will surround and support you in this time of grief and loss.
Curtis and Tana Whicker says
Sylvia and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. We pray that the peace of the Lord will surround you and provide healing and comfort. I was delighted to see that Duane and my father worked at the World’s Fair in New York at the same time. I feel badly that they didn’t have the chance to meet and reminisce about their experiences. You are all in our prayers.
Eileen & Vern Entzel says
Sylvia and family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and the family
Scott and Sue Jens says
Sylvia & Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Perkins says
Sylvia and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sharon Wilcox says
Sylvia, I am so sorry about your loss. I really enjoyed getting to know Duane when we ran into each other at Brewsters. My prayers to you and your family.
Kim Stanton says
Dear Sylvia and Family,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your dear husband and father. I enjoyed reading the obituary and all of the many talents Duane possessed and the things he accomplished during his life. I’m keeping you all close in thought and prayer as you celebrate his life and yet mourn his passing. With prayers and sympathy,
Kim Stanton
Ken and Kristi Stein says
Dear Sylvia and family,
Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you as you celebrate Duane’s life. May God Bless you and bring smiles to each one as you remember all the good times.
Phil Ewalt says
Sylvia and family
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Duane. I enjoyed the discussions Duane, I and others had many years ago. Another bridge to the past is gone and cannot be replaced.
Mary Lou and Jim Harasymczuk says
Dear emily, Erica and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Quality Life Concepts-Great Falls, MT says
Sylvia & Family,
You are in our thoughts at this difficult time.