Obituary: Duane Walz

Duane Walz, formerly of Waterloo Township, Michigan, entered into Heaven on Thursday October 21, 2021. He was born to Harold and Florence (Pickett) Walz in Rowe Memorial Hospital in Stockbridge, Michigan, on December 7, 1936. He left behind those whom he dearly loved including his wife of nearly 66 years, Mary Ann; his 7 children: Chuck (Cindy), Mike, Doug (Theresa), Wendy, Denny (Erin), Rusty (Sarah), and Amy.  His grandchildren were another of his earthly treasures: Brian, Kristy, Kayla, Johnathon, Amanda (Chris), Justin (Reaghan), Amber, and Matthew; step-grandchildren Shawn (Brittany), Samantha (Jared), and Darby (Tyler); 12 great-grandchildren; and sister Janice. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Jacob.

Duane graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1954. His education continued at Jackson Community College. To provide for his family, Duane was a farmer.  In addition, he worked at Chelsea Milling Company for 18 years, served his community as Waterloo Township Supervisor, served on the board at Michigan Townships Association, Jackson County Library Board, and Jackson County Parks Board. He was a member of the former Waterloo First United Methodist Church.

Duane was known for his hard work ethic, his sharp memory, his never-ending abundance of “dad jokes”, and, most of all, the love he gave to his family which will be missed greatly. His final wishes were to have a simple farewell with his family present, and the family will honor those wishes with a private service of interment at the Munith Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, he wished that gifts would be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Rives Junction Youth Haven Ranch.