Obituary: Duane Michael Smith, 89, of Ludington

Duane Smith

Duane Michael Smith, 89, of Ludington, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 17, 2024. He was born on December 11, 1934 in Ludington, the son of the late George and Beatrice Smith.  Duane graduated from Ludington High School in 1952.  On June 12, 1954, he married the love of his life, Suzanne M. Smith of Ludington, and together they shared 68 years of marriage and raised six children together.

Duane worked for McDonald’s Dairy for 20 years until the business transferred out of Ludington. He then went to work for Dow Chemical Company, retiring after 22 years.  He was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church of Ludington.

Duane was a selfless man who loved his family deeply and worked tirelessly to provide for them.  He was one of the friendliest guys you could ever hope to meet, had a great sense of humor and was quick with a joke or a silly song.  His favorite pastime was working in his yard and he took great pride in keeping it beautifully maintained.

Duane is survived by his children Vicki (Phil) Johnson of Twin Lake, Bobby (Lisa) Smith of Manistee, Timothy Smith, Mary (Randy) Haight, Christopher (Traci) Smith, all of Ludington; grandchildren Joshua (Heather) Taibl, Brooks (Cody) Johnson, Shelby (John) Smith, Cara (John) Bartlett, Casey Smith, Zachary Skoog, Jacob Skoog, Ashley (Andrew) Nienow, Emily (Jesse) Alt, Brooklyn Smith, LaQueisha (Spencer) Price; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters Marilyn Malliett, Dianne (Bill) Perry; brothers-in-law Mike (Carol) Smith, Terry (Peg) Smith; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife Suzane M. Smith; parents George and Beatrice Smith; in-laws Eugene and Rosetta Smith; daughter Lauri Smith; grandson Timothy Chase Smith; granddaughter Brittany Smith; brothers-in-law Fred Malliett and Roger Schott; and sisters-in-law Nedra Shanks and Karel Schott.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the employees at Oakview Medical Care Center and Sutter Living Center for their care and kindness over the years during Duane’s illness. The family would also like to thank Harbor Hospice for their care and support during Duane’s final months.

A Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 1 p.m. at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington with Rev. Wayne B. Wheeler Jr. officiating. Visitation will begin at noon at the church.  A luncheon will follow at St. Simon’s Family Center.

Private burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Ludington.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to The Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.