Duane Hellwig

Duane C. Hellwig, 88, of Niles, Michigan passed away at 4:00am on Sunday, June 18, 2017 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Duane was born on September 7, 1928, in St. Joseph, MI to the late Clarence and Georgia (Slavicek) Hellwig. Duane was also preceded in death by a daughter, Toni Barbee; and a sister, Bonnie (Bruce) Fletcher.

On October 17, 1960, in Piggott, Arkansas, Duane married Elizabeth (Ward). She survives along with children, Teresa (Courtney) Glover, Trica (Ralph) Ojeda, Duane (Hope) Hellwig, Jr., Doreen (Jeff) Whittaker, and Steven (Cheryl) Hellwig; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Donna (Carl) Newsom, Sally Newman, and Nancy Atkinson.

Duane was a Tool and Die Maker and retired from Clark Equipment Company in 1982 and later he worked at Sears, Michiana Christian Embassy, and Meijer. Enjoyed making golf clubs, traveling with his wife and family gatherings. He was the oldest registered freshman at Southwestern Michigan College.

Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 in HALBRITTER WICKENS FUNERAL HOME, 615 E. Main St., Niles, MI. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11:00am on Thursday, June 22, 2017 in Michiana Christian Embassy 1922 E. Main St. Niles, MI, where family and friends may gather one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.