Duane W. Mitchell, 89

Duane W. Mitchell, age 89, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, Montana. He was born on December 8, 1919 in Polson, Montana to Everett and Uiva Hazel (Noel) Mitchell.

Duane received his early education in Bigfork and Kalispell. During the summers he worked for the CCC. In 1941 Duane hitch-hiked to California to get a job. He was drafted in 1942 and served in the military until 1946. After the service he returned to California and worked for the Ford Motor Co. Duane met and married Terrie Muncher on November 12, 1950. He became a lineman and traveled to many states and countries. In 1980 they retired and moved to Bigfork. In Bigfork, Duane had a workshop and sold many items at the farmer's Market in Kalispell for 20 years. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Eagles and the VFW. While he was busy with the workshop, Terrie had a Bed and Breakfast. Due to illness they moved to Kalispell to be near medical facilities.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bud. He is survived by his wife Terrie Mitchell of Kalispell, MT; a daughter Donna Rae Doda and husband Tim of Belfair, WA; a son, Daniel Mitchell and wife Barbie of Federal Way, WA; granddaughters: Claudia Stoppelmoor of Seattle, WA, Della and Ian Flint of Cupertino, CA; and great grandchildren: Malcolm, Mitchell, and Miranda Flint of Cupertino, CA.

Funeral services for Duane will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 24, 2009 in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel with Pastor Tim Bartholomew officiating. Burial will be in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, April 23, 2009 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Duane's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Duane's guest book.