Passed away peacefully on Monday, February 24, 2020 at Summit Park Assisted Living in Jackson, Michigan at the age of 93. Survived by his children, Karlyn (David), Blank and Kent Kleinschmidt (Jean Macfarlane); grandchildren, Socha Goyette (Toby), Sarah (Ryan) McKnight, Kendra Chmielewski; great grandchild, Reagan McKnight; brother, Robert Kleinschmidt (Cathy Conklin); and many other family members and friends. The son of Roy and Hazel Kleinschmidt, Duane was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Kleinschmidt and sister, Virginia (William) Fisher. Duane was a life-long citizen of Jackson. Graduating in the Jackson High early class of 1944, Duane joined the Navy to serve his country in World War II. After the Japanese surrender, he was assigned to a landing ship and then stationed in Tokyo Bay with the US occupational force. Released from the Navy, he returned to Jackson where he attended Jackson Junior College, and married Shirley Collins, the love of his life. Duane worked for Collins Brothers Floor Covering, Inc. for a short while, and then joined Commonwealth and Associates as an electrical designer until retirement. Duane was a devoted husband, caring father, and loving grandfather. His gentle kindness and warm humor will be forever missed. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 1:00pm at Chas. J. Burden & Son Funeral Home with visitation from 11:00 AM until time of service. He will receive Military Service at the funeral home with a private family burial.
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