Duane C. Ellsworth

Duane Ellsworth, recently of White Lake and formerly of Davisburg and Waterford, passed surrounded by love at the age of 77. He was the devoted and loving father of Steve of Clarkston and Brian (Lisa) of Charlotte, NC, grandfather of Cody (Amanda), Marissa, Brayden, Grace, JD, and Nate, and great-grandfather of Raeah. Duane is also survived by his older brothers Dave (Vickie) and Dan (Kris), with whom he shared close relationships and a lifetime of memories.

A lifelong Michigander, Duane was born and raised in Pontiac with his brothers and parents Raymond Ellsworth and Bernice "Jean" Sitterson Ellsworth Coney. He had a wonderful childhood surrounded by friends and neighbors. Some of his fondest memories were those spent on his grandparents small retirement farm near Romeo. Duane had a mechanical mind and enjoyed learning how to fix and build almost everything from his grandfather's countless projects, which led to his interest in engineering. He was always a good student and graduated from Pontiac Central High School in 1966 as a member of the National Honor Society and with over a dozen drafting awards, including 2nd place winner from the American Society of Body Engineers. As teenagers, Duane and his brothers also worked at Ricky's Pizza House and Conn's Clothing, and his short time as a model for Conn's provided decades of teasing from his family.

After graduation, Duane  enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and completed basic training at Lackland AFB, TX. On June 15, 1968, he married his high school sweetheart Cheryl Sue Hubble and they worked together to raise their family and pursue the American Dream. Duane worked as a draftsman at General Motors with his good friend Bill Gaddes, while both attended night school at Lawrence Tech and later Oakland University. After receiving his Engineering degree, Duane rose quickly at GM and spent a successful and rewarding 38-year career in GMNA Product Development and management.

Duane and Cheryl were married for 44 happy years, enjoying a close circle of friends and neighbors on Shoman Street, including Bill & Carole Gaddes and Ed & Sue Cokley, who raised their kids together and had lots of fun with scavenger hunts, pool parties, and bowling. Duane was an avid golfer and a member of multiple leagues, including a longstanding GM league with his sons and several old buddies. He reached legendary status over the years by making an unbelievable FIVE Holes in One. In 2000, Duane and Cheryl built their dream home in Davisburg, with Duane in 7th heaven overseeing all aspects of design and construction.

Duane was devastated when he lost his beloved Cheryl in 2012. Three years later, he was introduced to Donna Moldovan, who had recently lost her husband. Together they shared their grief and became loyal and loving companions, enjoying their retirement years in Michigan and Florida, socializing with wonderful friends, and golf, golf, golf. His last chapter prior to his diagnosis was filled with good times, friends, and family. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Donna for her devoted love and care of Duane during his illness.

Duane Ellsworth was a truly good man of character and integrity. He had an incredibly generous spirit and would do anything to help family, friends, and neighbors. He was a bit reserved, and uncomfortable with accolades or any attention focused on him, but he had a goofy side that delighted his family with his sense of humor and catchphrases. We will miss beyond measure our father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, but take comfort knowing he is beyond pain and was greeted with joy by those who went before him.

Friends may visit Friday, April 11, 4-8pm and the Funeral Service will be held Saturday, April 12 at 12:30pm, both at the Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston. Interment will follow at Crescent Hills Cemetery. Please sign the online guest book below.  Memorial donations are gratefully received by the Gaddes Foundation (promoting Cystic Fibrosis research and support), PO Box 100,
Union Lake, MI 48387 www.gaddesfoundation.org/donate.