Obituary of Duane M. Gillett

Of Clio, age 85, died Saturday, November 10, 2012, at Fostrian Manor. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 am, Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at the SS Charles & Helena Catholic Church in Clio. Rev. Fr. Robert McGraw will officiate with burial to follow in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Tuesday, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Tuesday evening, family and friends will gather at the funeral home for a Scripture Service at 7:30 pm. Wednesday morning, Duane will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 am until time of Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions may be made to the Habitat for Humanity or Heartland Hospice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church. Duane was born September 15, 1927, in Flint, Michigan, the son of Murray and Ethel (Johnson) Gillett. He and Beverly Hallwood were united in marriage September 26, 1953. Duane was a skilled carpenter who worked with his hands. His proudest accomplishment was building and remodeling his and his children's homes. After retirement from Morse and Harcz, Duane joined with his sons forming Gillett Builders. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 59 years, Beverly; seven children, Barbara and husband, Brian Walton, Kathleen Wentz and Marc Waterbury, Michael, John and wife, Joanne, Thomas and wife, Lori, Patrick and wife, Mary Ann, and Donald and wife, Teresa; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Euper and Joyce Carlson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.