On August 23, 2013, Duane Haidle saddled up early in the morning and rode off to the land of promise. His wife of 24 years, Shirley, was by his side to see him off.
William Duane Haidle was born 12/7/1931 on the family farm in Fallon, Montana to Gottlieb & Annette Haidle. On July 3, 1951 he married Gertrude Verworn. They had four children, Belinda Rae (Ken Madden), William Duane, Roxanne Gay (Steve Simpson) and Thomas Lynn (Shelly).
Duane was called up for a two year stint in the Army. When he came home he went on to study at Hillcrest Christian College, Cascade Christian College and Montana State University to receive his Doctorate in Psychology.
On June 15, 1989, Duane married Shirley Sekora in Colstrip, Mt, beginning his life with his soul mate and partner for the remainder of his life here on earth. With this union he inherited a step son, Dale Sekora (Lori).
Duane was a private and quiet man with a free spirit and was known to set out on adventures at a moment’s notice. He loved horses and his dog, Pepper, was always by his side. He taught himself to play many different instruments and he was very active with the Utah Old Time Fiddlers.
After he retired Duane volunteered as counselor for congregation members at Mount Vista United Methodist Church in West Jordan, UT.
Duane is survived by his wife and 4 children, 9 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and one due in February, and his sister Bernice (Mel) Pomeroy. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leroy and a son, William Duane Jr. who died in infancy.
Duane will be missed by his family and friends. If you see a lone figure riding the horizon on a flea bit gray horse, it is our Duane and Fairfax gathering strays.
A visitation will be held at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry on Sunday, August 25, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 26, at 11:00 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry with graveside services and full military honors at Prairie County Cemetery in Terry followed by lunch at the American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society/Animal Rescue or to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday August 25, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, MT 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 p.m.
Monday August 26, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, MT 59349
Interment with Full Military Honors
Monday August 26, 2013
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, MT 59349
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday August 25, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, MT 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 p.m.
Monday August 26, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, MT 59349
Interment with Full Military Honors
Monday August 26, 2013
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, MT 59349
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Jane and Rod Jacobson says
Deepest sympathy to you Shirley and all the family. We feel so blessed to have known Duane–so kind and thoughtful and a wonderful musician. We are so happy Duane had a chance to move back to Montana and spend his last days there with you in that beautiful big sky country. Your Mountain Vista family will be praying for you. Love, Jane and Rod
Raedell Elizondo says
Dear Shirley and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Duane’s wisdom, kindness and music have been treasured, he will be greatly missed. I am honored to have known & worked with Duane, and to have seen the great love between Duane and Shirley. I am glad you had him back in Montana for a time. My prayers are with you all. Love, Raedell
Sharon (Borla) Pachl says
Shirley and family, I am so saddened to learn of Duane’s passing. My sympathy and prayers go out to all of his family. From the time Duane and I worked together in the mid 1980’s we remained friends. We shared a love for good Quarter Horses. He was such a kind and gentle man. I was so happy when he found you, Shirley. He adored you and was so happy in his life with you. I cherish the CD of Duane’s music and it has a place of honor in our family room. I hope it comforts you to know that he was so well respected by so many. And may your memories of happy times help you as you grieve. Go with God, my dear friend. You will be missed. Sharon
Rob and Jennifer Coe says
Shirley, we are so sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. We will always remember him as one of the most welcoming and friendly people at Mountain Vista. His beautiful voice always made me smile. He will be missed. Your family will be in our prayers.
Jerry Selbo says
I had the pleasure of playing many a Sunday with Duane in the praise team. He was always willing to play whatever was needed; guitar, bass, mandolin, etc. I also had a lot of Saturday morning Bible studies with him. I think Duane had a great deal of wisdom and common sense. He was a very thoughtful and kind person. I will miss him very much. Cindie and I send our love and prayers to Shirley and all of the family.
Kurt and Debi Paulsen says
My dear sister Shirley ,
What a perfect and beautiful obituary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are grateful that you and Duane saddled up in South Jordan and that we have had the honor and pleasure of making your aquaintance. Duane is one of a kind and will be sorely missed. We will carry you both in our hearts always. Enjoy your peace Duane. God bless you and keep you Shirley. Know we love you.
Grace and peace. Kurt & debi
Dayva Holody says
Dear sweet sister,
Doc and I want you to know our hearts are with you, It was you,r and Duane’s, wonderful example of a marriage, that pointed the path for us as we began our lives together. We will, forever, be grateful for that gift.
Peggy & Don Porter says
Dear Shirley,
Sending you our love and prayers. We wish we could be there by your side during this difficult time. We pray you are lifted and comforted by the many prayers of your Mountain Vista family. We all loved Duane so much. He shared his gifts and love with all of us so freely. We know he is rejoicing in heaven! Our love to you across the miles, Peggy & Don.
Jayme Palady says
The first time that I set foot in what would be my church home for the duration of my life in the state of Utah, Duane was the one who greeted my family the second we walked through the door. He and Shirley showed us where the nursery and coffee were, and wouldn’t let us leave without a church directory. Over the next couple of years, I got to play a lot if music with him. He was a great guy, a good musician, and a wonderful friend…My heart breaks for his family for their loss.
Maggie Arnold says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Shirley. During the times I played in the praise band at Mountain Vista, I was very self conscious and keenly aware that I was at the bottom of that talent pool, yet Duane was always encouraging and made me feel like I belonged. I’ll always remember Duane, not only for his musical talent, but mainly for his kindness and quiet humility. God be with you ’til we meet again.
Don & Velma Cain says
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Shirley during these times you are in our prayers, and Duane is home God. It has been a pleasure knowing you and Duane. It was a short time for us. We will alwayes rember the going away party for you & duane it was a good time we had with you both. God be wuith you until we meet again.
Rachel Johnson says
Shirley,
I am so saddened at the news of Duane’s passing. He was a wonderful and loving man with a smile that would just radiate through to your soul. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of this great man. Know that Mountain Vista is holding you close to our hearts. Love to you and your family.
Grace & Blessings,
Rachel
Steven Woodward says
Shirley,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Duane was such a special man and had such a kind and gentle way about him. I will forever be grateful for all he did for Aidan in encouraging and guiding him with his musical gifts. You were both a blessing to our family. We miss you and we know how much you will miss Duane.
Love and prayers from all of us.
Steven
Peggy & Tom Robison says
Duane was a super gentleman – kind, upbeat, sincere and full of wisdom, and so musically talented. We always enjoyed listening to him play his many instruments and Tom cherished the times he and Duane would strum together and enjoy each others company.
Can you feel it, Shirley? I am sending one great BIG HUG your way and one for sweet Pepper, who will have a rough time with the passing of Duane, also. Your Mountain Vista church family is praying for you and holding you and yours in our hearts. Duane was in his BIG SKY COUNTRY before his passing and at the time of his passing and we know this was a great comfort for him. He is at peace and with his maker, his GOD. We hold you in our daily prayers and in our hearts. YOU, Shirley, are dearly loved by many.
With ALL Our Love to You and Yours, Tom and Peggy Robison
David Reeves says
I will certainly miss “my other brother Duane,” one of the good folks a person wishes could just always be around. Our heartfelt condolences to Shirley and all the rest of Duane’s family.
— David & Marlene Reeves
Linda Hartney says
Dear Shirley and family, thank you so much for sharing Duane with all of us. What a blessing he was to so many. We had a special bond through the music we shared together. You both were so genuine and loving with the people at Mtn. Vista that we definitely felt like we were family. We share in your loss, and will always remember Duane with a smile in our hearts. Love, Linda Hartney, Emily and Cole
Melinda Grierson says
Dear Shirley and family;
I am sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved, Duane. What a terrific man and example he was to me and to our family. Please know that you are in my thoughts, and prayers during this difficult time. You hold such a special place in my heart, Shirley. Take comfort in knowing that you are loved by so many. Melinda Grierson
“What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.” -Helen Keller
mike vanvoorhis & mona kimbrough says
Dear Shirley & family,
Mona and I feel a great loss at Duane’s passing but believe that his spirit is able to to take a deep breathe of big sky air and sigh with relief. He’ll be missed because he touched us all with gentle friendship and thoughtful care. His legacy will be the example of a life lived well, one full of people that are better after having taken in the strumming of his mandolin, the sparkle of his eyes and the peace of his smile.
Kim Clinger says
Shirley, you know that you are an inspiration to me. I wish I had known Duane in his younger years. Such a sturdy frame with a soft heart. I can imagine him on his horse, and if all that we believe is true, he’s riding free right now! What a sight! I know your love was special, and I watched you care for your cowboy in the kindest ways, even if it kept us from a pedicure or shopping trip. I also watched you worry about this day. It seems like all of the decisions you two made in the last few years were just what you needed, and probably guided by someone who new best. I am so glad ou are surrounded by your loved ones, and that you have a such a loyal hampsom pupper to help sooth you at this time. Love you tons!!!
Kathy Clayton says
My Dearest Shirley – What a shock it was to find this on Facebook. When I saw Duane’s picture I was hoping for good news. Well, the Lord has taken 10 Fiddlers since the end of January. Must have a pretty good chapter up there!
Shirley, may the Lord’s tenderest blessings be with you (and Pepper) at this time. Know that you are loved and thought of often. Please keep in touch and know that you are in my prayers. Love, Kathy
April Adams says
I remember shortly after the 9/11 attacks, Duane singing Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning in church. He had so much emotion. His voice will always be in my head singing that song. Duane was a great man who I greatly respected.
Shirley and Family – sending you my prayers and thoughts! It’s never easy to love someone!
Tom and Tina Whaley says
Shirley – we are keeping you and your family in our prayers. Tom and I enjoyed the time we spent with you and Duane when we lived in Utah. I remember his quiet musical spirit and how he was able to lift others up so easily. I’m sure he is spreading his musical spirit with those in Heaven.
Valda Haidle Jones says
Shirley – My thoughts and prayers remain with you!
HUG!
Pastor Steve and Tracy Reinhard says
Dear Shirley,
We were saddened by the news of the passing of Duane. We have such good memories of Duane. One was the very first Sunday we had worship in our brand new building at Mtn Vista, Steve remembers that he and Duane led worship together. Duane was all dressed up in a suit, vest, and tie and he started off the worship in his deep, rich voice singing, “Up Above My Head, There’s Music In The Air.” Steve also remembers how he and Duane got to have lunch at the Village Inn about every two months on a regular basis for many years. Duane always started off the lunch conversation saying, “I’ve been reading a new theology book and I have a question for you.” A third memory of Steve’s is how much he appreciated Duane giving him a whole box of his great theology books that he had collected over the years before we moved to Colorado. I remember Duane’s musical gift of a “Pickin’ and a Grinin’.” We were so thankful that Duane played bass in the praise team so often and he even added violin from time to time. We both remember fondly Duane’s knowledge and helpful insight when we both counseled with him about our marriage. Both of you have been a wonderful example of a great marriage to the both of us every since we’ve known you. Hugs and prayers of comfort your way, hoping you’ll find peace knowing that God is with you and Duane is with God.
Shane Reinhard says
Shirley –
As a young teenager, I was so blessed to be around you two, as I mowed your lawn on a weekly basis. You both treated me with respect and trust at a young age. Thank you for that lesson. God’s Blessings during this difficult time.
Susan Rech Hocking Wilcox says
I am not a regular jammer at the Old Time Fiddlers, but I often played with Duane in those jams over 10 years. I don’t know him like some do, but when you are a musician, you know you are all part of a team that makes a lot of people happy over a lifetime. He was ONE of that group for a long time and every time one goes to heaven I think about Jim Shupe – our founder and a VERY fine fiddler who coaxed me over a long period of time to do what I could to come along when he was gone, and others now are leaving. We will carry on SADLY for a long time and miss Duane a LOT. My deepest condolences to the family. I hope your sorrow ends quickly, and the joy of your testimonies of where Duane is will get you through.
Gordon & Shirley Gutke says
Dear Shirley & Family;
I just heard of Duane’s passing yesterday at our band practise and we were all saddened by the news. As we all talked for a time about our individual memories of Duane, and you, Shirley, I was impressed by the universal feeling of fondness for this gentle man. May God’s blessings attend you and your family at this difficult time. We think of you often and will conrtinue to do so.
Love to you Shirley.
Gordon & Shirley Gutke
Ruth Elwell says
Dear Shirley& Family,
My prayer and thoughts are with you!
I am glad he got to go home where he was happy and had a few month to enjoy!
Take care and may God be with you all way,
Love in Christ,
Ruth Elwell
Lenora Johnson says
Dear Shirley,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Duane’s passing on Facebook this morning! What a good friend I had in Duane in the Old Time Fiddlers. We all had such good times at the chapter jams, but especially on the road for gigs in Southern Utah over the years! He and I were kindred spirits with our love of so many different instruments! He will be greatly missed.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Lenora
Betty Ross says
Dear Shirley,
It is with great sadness as I write this to you. Loved to be with you and Duane, the music, the laughter, the talks of so many subjects, and just being around you and all the great hugs! Certainly hated to see you move away and now am so sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. I’ll not forget you and all the good memories.
Loving prayers to you.
Betty
Madeline Haidle says
I will always remember Grandpa singing me you are my sunshine and playing the guitar. I will be singing it to my baby when it is born in February and remember his sweet voice singing to me.
I will miss you Grandpa.
"The New Fiddlers" says
We were saddened to hear about Duane’s passing. He was a kind and gentle man, and a true friend to so many. We will miss him.
Arlan and Letha Davis says
We are so sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. We loved getting a hug from him and hearing that deep, gravelly voice come from such a gentle man. We would have loved to see him on his horse that he loved so much, and we are glad that he was able to go home to Montana and enjoy his last days there. God blessed us through him.
Shirley, know that you are in our hearts and prayers. Love you, beautiful lady!
Arlan and Letha Davis
J Johnson says
Dear family and friends of William Duane Haidle – I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you peace and comfort through his sure promises to end pain, mourning and death (Revelation 21:4). At that time no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 24:33). Almighty God also promises to fulfill our desires, not just our needs (Psalms 145:16). Cherish all the happy memories of Mr. Haidle and be further comforted by the Bible promises (John 17:3).
Paul Rasmussen says
Dear Shirley- I’ve just heard of my old buddy Duane’s passing. So sad to hear it. Reading his obituary and the lovely tributes and remembrances brought back lots of great memories, both of my relationship with Duane and times spent together with the both of you. He was truly an inspiration to me- both as a mental health therapist and a musician- because he was “the real deal”. I learned a great deal from him in both arenas, and Kim and I will both miss him greatly. May God bless and comfort you and your family in your loss. Much love, Paul