Duane E. Wellnitz, age 79, passed away on December 26, 2016 at Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City.
Duane was born in 1937 in Milbank, SD in Grant County. He was a hard working farm boy and attended rural country schools to high school days and then went on to the military. He served four years with the United States Air Force serving in Alaska before statehood and remote duty with Operation Sparavanghn.
After his discharge from the Air Force he started working as a line tech for a General Motors dealership and then became service manager from 1961 to 1986. He then started his own hobby shop which he ran until retirement.
Duane was married for years to the love of his life Marian (Hofhenke) Wellnitz. He loved the outdoors and tried about everything including fishing, horses, packing, back-packing in the Bear Tooth Mountains, hunting etc. Duane also loved playing pool with his friends. Many hours were spent with family and friends at Rock Creek Marina cabin on Fort Peck Lake.
He was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Evelyn (Hall) Wellnitz.
Duane is survived by his wife Marian; children Deb (Don) Hofer, Sandra (Reed) Reymon and Neil (Linda) Wellnitz; siblings Arlene Lindberg of Miles City, Ardell Auffenorde of Illinois, Roger Wellnitz of Twin Brooks, SD and Brenda Paxton of Illinois; 6 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren 1 great great grandchild and 5 step-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 11:00 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.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday December 29, 2016
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday December 29, 2016
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
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Dave Johnson says
Sending the family my deepest heartfelt condolences on the passing of Duane. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy. Rough day in the neighborhood.
Sherry Oster says
My condolences to Duane’s family. Duane was a character and I enjoyed the times when he and Dad were fishing at the lake. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jessie and Jim Leidholt says
To all of the family of Duane. Jim and I are so sad that Duane is no longer with us. He was so kind to Jim and my dad Albert with all of his fishing trips. He will be greatly missed. Hugs to all of you. Jessie and Jim.
Tom & Darlene Hess says
Sorry for your loss, keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan & Dennis Bakken says
So very sorry for your loss
Wayne, Bev and Alicia Ferderer says
Reed, Sandra and family – You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Clarence and Ingrid Brown says
Marion and family, Duane and I had many good times together fishing, hunting or just having fellowship together. We were both strong willed but got along great. He will be missed by everyone — except by the fish. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Clarence and Ingrid
Pat Franklin says
Marion I’m so sorry for your loss of your husband.Thinking of you and your family at this time.m9
Pam Rogge says
Marian and family, my condolences to you and your family at this time.
Pam Henman says
Wellnitz Family,
I will treasure so many memories. So glad we were able to visit last summer.Fun memories out on the water. I will miss you. Just wanted to share my favorite poem.
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone will stay that way,
I found that peace at close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I, too, will miss.
But not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life has been full, I’ve savored much.
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief,
Lift up you hearts and share with me,
God wanted me now,
He set me free. ~Author Unknow
Love you all
Garth Sleight says
Sandra, Reed, and all of the Wellnitz family:
It’s no fun bidding farewell to a parent/grandparent/sibling. My sincere condolences to you all at this time of loss.
Linda & RIchard Meidinger says
So sad to hear of your loss. May your great memories help you through this difficult time.
May he rest in peace. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Virginia & Duane Strohmayer says
To the Family of Duane Wellnitz
So Sorry to hear of Duane’s passing.
Art & Jeanne Drange says
Condolences to the Wellnitz family. We had many good times together; some work and some play. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We thought the world of Duane.
Tory Fields says
Thinking of you ALL with much LOVE and Sympathy〰God Bless! Tory
Ervin and Janice Laib says
Duane’s Family. Very sorry for your loss our Prayers and Thoughts are for all of you though this difficult time
Tim and Neena Steadman says
Wellnitz family, Tim and I are sorry for your loss. Keeping you close in thought and prayer! Tim and Neena Steadman
Konnie Shuey says
So sorry for your families loss. I have a lot of memories having lived with him and Marion for two years during high school. He was a good mechanic and I remember when he worked at the Chevy dealership. I always knew that if he looked at or worked on my car, it was in good hands and would be fixed right. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
So sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. He was always great to fix vehicles for us. We loved his fishing stories and even sampling some of those great fish. He was a fine man and he will be missed. Our sincere condolences. Your family will be in our prayers.
rick, nick , joey and rene ottoy says
DEB AND SANDRA AND FAMILY, VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.
Deb Bartholomew says
Marion, Deb and Families,
I am so very so sorry to hear of your loss. Duane was a wonderful, fun, kind hearted man. He always had a smile on his face and had time for a visit. He and my Dad bowled together for several years and had several hunting trips and fishing trips together and came back with with stories. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. He will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Cherish your memories as they will help with the difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jared Bankey says
My condolences to the family of Duane. I enjoyed playing pool against Duane and the Vets down at the VFW. This makes two in recent past that have passed. I also enjoyed watching the pride that Duane had in grandson who joined him many times as his partner. Duane always did have a smile and a zest for life. He always had special twinkle in his eye when Marion was around and even when she was driving. Thanks for your service and enjoyed the time spent at the VFW.
Vern and Eileen Entzel says
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sorry we were unable to be with you. The Lohman Motor days will always be a special time
Sharon and Rachel Gaughan says
Marion, Deb and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Marcy Parks says
Marian, Neil, Sandra, and families, I am so sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. My heart goes out to all of you; you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marcy Stabler Parks
Cheryl Tonn says
Sorry to you and your family for your loss.
Jay Hanson says
I enjoyed many summers with Duane and Marion as neighbors at the lake. I was the “kid” and he was Mr. Fixit. Life goes by way too quickly.