Duane James Stevenson, age 80, of Big Timber passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2016 in Miles City, Montana while taking care of his daughter and son-in-law’s ranch while they were on vacation.
Duane was born in Bottineau, North Dakota on July 9, 1936, the son of Curtis and Irene Stevenson. Duane was born into a family of five children: Donald (whom passed away at infancy), twin brothers Bob and Curt and a sister Lois. Duane grew up on the family farm in Eckman, North Dakota where he attended grade school. The family moved to Velva, North Dakota where he started and finished high school. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Navy where he travelled the seas abroad. In 1963, Duane married Helen Bertsch in Velva, North Dakota. They had three girls: Audrey, Kimberly and Vicki where they lived at Kalispell, Montana in the Flathead Valley.
Duane had a love for the outdoors, animals and physical fitness. He particularly loved horses and cattle. He always made sure his three girls were well mounted on “good horse flesh” that was very important to him. Duane was a fence contractor for many years along with many other entrepreneurial adventures which included logging and operating heavy equipment. He loved ranch life and many of his fondest memories were of the rugged Chilcotin in British Columbia, Canada where the family moved to manage the Chilco Ranch and start a missionary work with the Indians up there. The extreme location and remote environment intrigued him and he made special friendships with the native people. To his last day, he could never get the Chilcotin out of his heart and blood. Duane spent his remaining years in Big Timber, Montana where he enjoyed spending time with his daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He never met a stranger and loved helping people in need. The gift of hospitality was definitely an exceptional quality and gift. He was constantly helping others and or donating his time. Duane stayed active, busy and physically fit up until his last breath that he took, working on his daughter’s ranch on the Powder River near Miles City.
Duane is survived by his wife Helen; a sister Lois (Clarence) Knutson of Peoria, IL; three daughters: Audrey (Dru) Burk of Ismay, MT , Kim (Orlando) Chavez of Big Timber, MT and Vicki (Burl) Beley of Circle, MT; sister in law Eileen Ward of Las Vegas, NV.; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brothers Bob and Curt and infant brother Donald.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 16, 2016
Joel Stevenson Farm
Eckman , North Dakota
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Friday September 16, 2016
Eckman Cemtetery
Eckman, North Dakota
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Mary Snell says
Audrey and Family,
Very sorry for your loss. It sounds like your Dad was a great person. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Julie Kay Emmons says
Vicki, Tori and entire family: So sorry for the loss of your father/grandfather. I so enjoyed looking at the pics of him that were online on the obituary page. Raelynn resembles him so much. Treasure the memories you have of him and let that comfort you through this difficult time.
Zelda & Gene Buelow says
What a shock. I am so sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
PAUL AND BOBBIE GILBERT says
SORRY TO Hear about Duane. HE was a good neighbor and friend. Duane was always there ready to help and a hard honest worker.
Randy and Cindy Mothershead says
So sorry to hear about Duane. He always had a smile when I ran into him and Helen. He was a good guy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Remi and Susan Metcalf says
So sorry to hear about Duane. I was busy cooking in the mountains and did not know that Duane had passed until I saw a thank you in the Pioneer. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!