Duane was born in Traverse City on September 7, 1930, to the late Ira H. and Bertha M. (Gilbert) Newman.

He attended Kasson Center grade school, along with his younger sister Nancy Jane (Newman) Lanham, through completion of 8th grade. When offered the opportunity to attend High School in Traverse City, Duane chose to remain at home and help his parents on their farm near Maple City, MI.

Duane was 22 years old when he was called up by the Army (2-14-52) and served our Country for nearly 18 months in Korea, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. He served in the motor pool on the front lines.

Duane met the love of his life, Mary Kathryn Sullivan, at a community dance in Glen Arbor. They were married on October 26, 1957 at the Grawn United Methodist Church. Together they faithfully and consistently loved and raised their three children on their Newman Centennial Farm.

Duane’s love for the farm and responsibility for caring for the land that was homesteaded by Newman family members in 1855 (and registered with the government in 1862) are demonstrated by his life’s work. His natural affinity for engineering proved invaluable throughout his life as he maintained and repaired farm equipment, upgraded to new tools and techniques with frugal auction acquisitions and even splurged a few times on purchases of brand-new tractors, trucks and implements. In addition to full-time farming, Duane worked as a carpenter during the early years of marriage and was also a school bus driver for the Glen Lake Community Schools for 34+ years. Lest anyone wonder, Duane and Mary were NOT all work and no play. They enjoyed inviting family and friends over for meals, playing Euchre or Michigan Rummy for HOURS, attending farm auctions, and joining in the activities of the Old Settlers Picnic Ground Association. Duane and Mary were active members of the Cherry Capital Model A Club for years. Although not “official” members of the Buckley Old Engine Show, Duane, 1930 ~ 2024

Mary and extended family have supported the organization with donations of material for the grounds and harvest demonstrations and by making the annual pilgrimage to the show for years, displaying antique tractors/autos/ equipment, and enjoying all the social aspects of spending time with those

of like mind.

Duane’s character resume’ includes his quick wit, his work ethic and self-respect, his unwavering integrity and selflessness, and his perseverance. To his very end on earth, he remained true to his authentic self, displaying humor, grace and gratitude. Duane is survived by his children Dolores “Dee” Ann (Kelley) Wilkinson, Timothy Ira Newman, George (Ginger) Arthur Newman; grandchildren Laura (Adam) Nemeskal, Andrea (Ben) Cooper, Keira Newman, Katelyn Newman and Oliver Newman; great grandchildren Gideon and Clayton Nemeskal; sister-in-law Bonnie Sullivan; bonus grandsons Chris (Sarah) DeMoulpied and their children Grace and Owen, Brandon DeMoulpied and Brian Wilkinson; good friend Jim Shillington, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors-adopted-by-heart and friends.

Duane was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents, his sister Nancy, and a granddaughter who was quietly called to heaven before she was born.

The family expresses the deepest gratitude to the staff members from Munson Hospice who listened, educated, coached and supported them in care of Duane. The kind and informed guidance was invaluable in helping make sure that Duane was able to remain at his home through the end of his earthly life.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Gilbert Lodge, Long Lake Township, Traverse City, MI. Duane’s family will greet friends starting at 1:00pm and the service will begin at 2:00pm. A luncheon will follow the service. Memorial contributions in Duane’s name may be directed to Old Settlers Picnic Association. Duane’s cremains will be interred at Green Briar Cemetery, near Lake Ann, in a private family ceremony at a later date. Please see expanded tribute and share thoughts or memories at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.