Duane W. 'Babe' Mitchell, 89

Duane W. "Babe" Mitchell, 89, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

He was born on Dec. 8, 1919, in Polson, to Everett and Uiva Hazel (Noel) Mitchell.

Duane received his early education in Bigfork and Kalispell.

During the summers he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1941, Duane hitchhiked to California to get a job.

He was drafted in 1942 and served in the military until 1946. After the service he returned to California and worked for the Ford Motor Co.

Duane met and married Terrie Muncher on Nov. 12, 1950. He became a lineman and traveled to many states and countries. In 1980, they retired and moved to Bigfork.

In Bigfork, Duane had a workshop and sold many items at the farmers market in Kalispell for 20 years. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Eagles and the VFW. While he was busy with the workshop, Terrie had a bed and breakfast. Due to illness they moved to Kalispell to be near medical facilities.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Bud.

He is survived by his wife, Terrie Mitchell, of Kalispell; a daughter, Donna Rae Doda, and husband, Tim, of Belfair, Wash.; a son, Daniel Mitchell, and wife, Barbie, of Federal Way, Wash.; granddaughters, Claudia Stoppelmoor of Seattle, and Della and Ian Flint of Cupertino, Calif.; and great-grandchildren, Malcolm, Mitchell and Miranda Flint, of Cupertino.

Funeral services for Duane will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 24, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral chapel, with Pastor Tim Bartholomew officiating. Burial will be in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral chapel.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Duane's family.

You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Duane's guest book.