Duane A. Whaley

Duane Whaley, age 72, passed away Friday, October 19, 2012 at home. Duane was born July 29, 1940 in Cadillac, the son of Lawrence and Elva (Gibson) Whaley and graduated from Cadillac Public Schools in 1958. He served in the US Navy from 1958-1960 on the USS Compton during the Cuban Conflict, and from 1960 to 1967 he worked for V. M. Corporation and the Benton Township Police Department. In 1967 he started for Du-Wel Metal Products, Inc. in Bangor through 1984 as paint, pack & personnel manager, from 1984 to 2000 he owned and operated the Bangor Freeze. In 2000 he started Rock Harbor Painting. Ken, who still runs it today, joined him in 2010. Duane loved the people, making great friendships as he worked and always strived to give them the best paint job possible, and handiwork was included as needed. He took great pride in every job he did and every friendship he made. Duane was a scout leader in the Benton Harbor area & also taught Geneva Wrens 4-H Woodworking for many years. He was friendly, loved people & always had hugs to share with big smiles that warmed the heart. He enjoyed his years at Bangor Freeze watching young people become adults with good values, a quote from Barbie an employee from the freeze, “I’m so saddened to hear of the loss of a very good man. Duane had a kind heart, an amazing work ethic, and the patience of a saint. He was a second dad to many of the workers at the Bangor Freeze, always encouraging us to do our best and working around our crazy schedules because he knew how important it was for us to be involved in things outside of school. He gave good advice, was very protective of his Freeze Girls (and boys), and truly cared for us all. Above and beyond that, he loved his wife more than anything, and my heart hurts for her loss. I hope Duane knew how special he was to so many. My love and prayers are with you Nancy.” He always liked seeing the accomplishments of his teachings, although never boastful. His favorite things were spending time with his dogs, feeding fish, being out of doors, mowing lawn, washing, waxing and driving his always clean truck, doing for and helping others topped his priority list, family get-togethers, good food and Friday Night Date Night with Nancy and special friends Mary Taie and Lorraine Nielsen, Wednesday Breakfast with the guys, working out at the Wellness Center with friends, watching Nascar, reading, candy and putting his best foot forward. Surviving are his wife Nancy Funk Whaley; 2 sons, Bradley (Amy) Whaley of Burlington, WA, Ken (Tammy) Whaley of Bangor; 2 daughters, Stephanie (Ken) Fletcher of Lawrence, Charise Whaley of Holland; 6 grandchildren, Natalie, Jeffery, Madelyn Whaley, Sarah, Jack Shriver, Alex Fletcher; special son, Durond Hampton of Harrison Township; brother-in-laws, David Funk and Larry (Barbara) Funk; cousins Tom and Susan Riemer and many close relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and 3 brothers, George, Dean and Bruce Whaley. The family will meet friends 10:30 – 12:00 Noon Thursday, October 25, 2012 at Peace Lutheran Church, South Haven where the memorial service will be at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Bob Linstrom officiating. According to his wishes cremation has taken place. The family suggests memorials be made to SHAES Paid on Call Association, B/SH Black River Heritage Water Trail Association, Peace Lutheran Church Memorial Path or Donors choice. Arrangements were entrusted to the Bangor Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home.

Duane A. Whaley

July 29, 1940 - October 19, 2012