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As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
UPDATE: A graveside burial will take place on May 31, 2024 at 12:00 pm at Lake View Cemetery, Section D-2 with Father Gracious to officiate.
Lake Linden, Mi.- Duane Henry Girard, age 89, died peacefully after a short illness on December 8th at HPH Hospice in Brooksville, Florida with his family by his side.
Duane was born on May 13, 1934 in Vulcan, Mi. to Oscar and Edna (Corbeil) Girard.
He graduated from Vulcan High School in 1952. Duane married his high school sweetheart, Bella Ottoson, on October 25, 1952.
He worked in various construction trades including working on the Mackinac Bridge. In 1957 he enlisted in the Michigan State Police. He was stationed at Manistique, Ypsilanti, Gladstone and Calumet. He retired in 1984 as a Sergeant. After retirement he and Bella headed south for the winter. They traveled to many states enjoying the company of family and friends.
Duane was an outstanding basketball and baseball player. He loved biking, walking and cross country skiing. He enjoyed being involved in his children’s activities. He was often seen in uniform at sporting events. He was the President of the PTA, the Houghton County 4-H Fair Board and Camper’s Holiday. He taught gun safety and coached American Legion Baseball.
Duane is survived by his seven children: Dan (June) Girard of Lake Linden, Wanda (Eric) Frimodig of Calumet, Dennis (Helen) Girard of Marquette, Mary (Wayne) Schwerin of North Ogden, UT; Nancy Downs of Eagar, AZ; Mark (Kathryn) Girard of Kingsford and Beth (Martin) Clark of Marquette.
Grandchildren: Mindy (Dan) Krone, Adam (Danielle) Frimodig, Andy (Elena) Girard, Kevin Girard, Brett (Anne) Girard, Ashlee (Nick) Weber, Paul (Angie) Downs, Lee Borzick, Becky (Kyran) Walker, Megan Easterling, Chad Girard, Sarah (Fredi) Gonzalez, Jeff (Becky) Clark, Ashley (Jake) Brintlinger and Allison Clark.
Great Grandchildren: Grady and Bella Krone, Hunter and Hendrix Frimodig, Madelina Girard, Carson and Claire Girard, Austin, Brodie, Corbin and Adyson Weber, Kyrie and Brenton Walker, Timothy Lantagne and Olivia Drewyor, Eli Wilson and Travis Clark, Elvi and Liina Brintlinger.
In-Laws: (Sister in-laws) Marilyn Girard, MaryAnn Ottoson, Jean (Jack) Singler
(Brother in-law) Donny Ottoson
Preceding him in death were his wife: Bella, his parents: Oscar and Edna, his brothers: Edwin, Meriel and Ferdy, his sisters: Rosabel and Marion, his son in-laws: Michael Downs and Rob Olszeweski, his mother and father in-law: Edmund and Alice Ottoson, 4 brother in-laws and 3 sister in-laws.
The family of Duane Girard would like to thank Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home for arranging the transport home of our father.
Visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Calumet on December 16, 2023 from 9:30 -11:00AM. The funeral mass will follow at 11:00 AM with Fr. Gracious Pulimoottil to officiate. A funeral luncheon will follow in the church hall.
We are aware that winter conditions may make it difficult to attend the funeral service. We would like to invite you to join us for the graveside burial and reception in the Spring of 2024. The burial will take place at Lake View Cemetery in Calumet, MI.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to your favorite charity.
Online condolences can be left for the family at ericksoncrowleyperterson.com
