Obituary of Duane Little

Duane Elmer Little September 21, 1930 - November 18, 2014 Duane was born in Aurora, Illinois on September 21, 1930. He was the son of the late Floyd and Maxine (Hague) Little. Duane graduated from East Aurora High, and served in Korea from 1950-1953 in the Army obtaining the rank of Corporal. He married the love of his life Betty Fichtel on April 14, 1956. Duane had a lifelong passion for children moving his young family to Monroe and taking a Lieutenant position with the Hall of the Divine Child where his responsibilities included overseeing military instruction and discipline. Duane also coached many successful basketball and football teams and served as CYO Director. Duane was charismatic and encouraging. He loved people and had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. Duane was generous to a fault, having a major impact on many young lives. He often took challenged youth under his wing becoming a father figure to them. Duane was warmly referred to as "A Man of The People." Duane loved sports; bowling for more than fifty years, serving as secretary for thirty, twice being selected as secretary of the year, and even managed a bowling alley. He refereed and umpired as a member of Michigan Officials Association. He enjoyed following the Michigan Wolverines, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears. More than anything Duane loved being active in his children and grandchildren's lives. Duane age 84 of Monroe passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 surrounded by his adoring family. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a granddaughter: Chelsie and four siblings: Roland, Ivan, and Sharon Little, and Marlene Herold. To cherish his memory Duane leaves his partner of sixty-one years: Betty; four children: Barry (Kay), Mary Kay (Matthew) Burke, David (Cindy), and Kimberly (Ed) Splan; six grandchildren: Katie (Jeff) LeBrun, Stacie (Josh) Woods, Dawn Little (Matt Rempe), Matt Little (Courtney Sorrels), Tyler Splan, and Morgan Little; great grandchildren: Aiden and Avery LeBrun, Lacie Little, and Joslyn Woods; and one great grand due in March: Landon Rempe. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Friday, November 21, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185 where military honors under the auspices of VFW Post 1138 will take place at 6:45pm followed by a Rosary led by the Knights of Columbus at 7:00pm. Duane will lie in state Saturday, November 22, 2014 from 9:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00am at St. Michael Parish, 502 West Front. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Lacie Lynn Little Education Fund or St. Mary Catholic Central. Online guests may express condolences at www.merklefs.com; Life Stories page.