Duane A. Guhlke

Duane A. Guhlke, age 62, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday morning, December 12, 2009. Duane was born in Davenport, Washington on July 12, 1947, son of the late Herbert and Bonnie (Greenwood) Guhlke. He graduated from the Davenport High School in 1965, received his B.A. degree from Eastern Washington University in 1970, and while serving his country as a member of the United States Army, completed his M.B.A. in 1973. On March 14, 1969, Duane married Paula Crandall, she survives. During his military service, Duane was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, as well as spending three years in Germany. Upon his discharge from the Army, where he had attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant, he began working for Crown-Zellerbach. After a time, he began work with Wisconsin Tissue Mills, and was the Vice President of Finance there. After the tissue mills he became associated with Coldwell Banker Realty. Duane was a good-hearted man, who often placed the needs of others above those of his own. He had a passion for being at the top of a ski slope and feeling the wind at his back, and loved the challenge of golf, even attempting to grow his own master's green with a chunk of divot from Augusta. Duane volunteered as a chaperone for the Appleton West High School Ski Club, as well as at Goodwill Industries by preparing tax returns for those who needed guidance, he donated countless gallons of blood at the Community Blood Center, coached and refereed soccer for many years, and also took his golden retriever, Mackenzie to Theda Clark and Appleton Medical Center as part of the pet therapy program. Overall, he was a champion of youth, enjoyed mentoring young people, and was an immediate friend to all, leaving many good friends behind.

Duane is survived by his wife: Paula Guhlke of Hortonville; two children: Brian Guhlke of Sunnyvale, California and Megan (Randal) Williams of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Duane had a profound love for his new grandson, John. He is also survived by four step-grandchildren: Melanie (Todd) Blow; Marianne (Brian) Murphy; Melissa (Bryan) Robbins; and Michele (Scott) Williams; two brothers and a sister: Bob (Rita) Guhlke of Davenport, Washington; Jerry (Mary) Guhlke of Reardan, Washington; and Charlotte Sellin of Port Angeles, Washington; a sister-in-law: Debbie Guhlke of Orfino, Idaho; Paula's sisters: Pam (Buck) Aden of Spokane, Washington and Patty (Bob) Roloff of Spokane, Washington; his mother-in-law: Jeanne Crandall of Spokane, Washington; a nephew: John (Kristal) Aden; two nieces: Angela (Brett) Kyle, and Erica (Paul) Whitmore; several great-nieces and great-nephews: Abby, Paytin, Julia, Joey, Porter, Jenna, and Thomas. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Ray Crandall, a brother Jake, and an infant granddaughter Oanne Gabriel.

A memorial service for Duane will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, December 18, 2009 at the Wichmann Funeral Home in Appleton, with Rev. Tim Albrecht officiating. Interment will be in the Davenport City Cemetery in Davenport, Washington. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 PM until the time of the service at 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Fox Valley Humane Association.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
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www.wichmannfargo.com