Duane Allen Battes, 77

Duane was 77 years young when he passed away, after a hard-fought battle with cancer, on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, at 3 p.m. He passed away peacefully at home in Kalispell surrounded by his family.

Duane was born in Williston, North Dakota, on July 1, 1941.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Mathias Battes; uncle, Ole and Gertrude Kelson; and father-in-law, Claude Rhodes and his wife Virginia Battes.

After graduating high school, Duane entered the Navy and was assigned to the USS Washburn. He served from 1959-1961. Duane worked on both the Libby and Hungry Horse Dams and Stoltze Lumber Yard.

He married Virginia Rhodes on Dec. 31, 1965. They were married for 42 years. They have four daughters, welcomed 10 grandchildren, gained two granddaughters in-law, and one great-granddaughter, plus he enjoyed the announcement of a great-grandson due in May.

Duane is survived by his four daughters (the 4 Ts): Tina and Nick Venturini (Matthew and Kayla Venturini; great granddaughter Kinley, Tabitha, Mario and Jessica Venturini, Mallare: Tammy and Dan Curtin (Lacie-Jo, David): Tanya and Eric Lindsey (Bryce): Trisha and Raymond Connors (Bailey, Shaelin and Keegan), mother -in-law Stella Rhodes, and numerous other relatives on Virginia’s side.

Duane was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and his name is carried by two grandsons and one great-grandson.

Duane was an avid woodworker; he was always making wood projects. He made items to pass down to his family.

Our favorite memories are his stories that would make you laugh until you cried. He enjoyed shooting guns with his family, going fishing, cracking jokes and initiating everyone to a good day’s work of chopping wood. He was one of the most loving and kind-hearted men in the world who emphasized the importance of family and showed you could overcome any obstacles in life.

A celebration of life will be held from noon to 5 p.m. June 30 at Lawrence Park at 1105 North Main Street in Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to any VA charity. Duane believed in the good work that the VA does for all its members.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.