Duane A. Ginder

Duane Arthur Ginder, 79, of Harrisville, Michigan passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side on Saturday, May 20, 2023. He was greeted in Heaven by his father, Harry Lafayette Ginder and mother, Dorothy Mae Ginder (Dewar), brother-in-law Clay Groff and his “man’s” best friend Tippy who preceded him in death. Duane was born on March 13, 1944 in Harrisville, Michigan. After graduating from Alcona High School in 1962, he left Michigan for a short time but then returned in 1964 to begin his career with General Motors Corporation where he worked as a forklift driver for 34 years until his retirement in 1998. Duane is survived by his three children who he loved dearly: Laura Ann Tripp (Ginder) of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Michael Duane Ginder and daughter-in-law Jacqueline Ginder (Beloskur) of Crestwood, Kentucky and his youngest son, Darwin Duane Ginder of Harrisville, Michigan; his three grandchildren whom he was SO proud of for all of their artistic talents and successes in school: Austin Clark Tripp of Flint, Michigan, Andrew David Tripp of Oak Park, Michigan and Zachary Michael Ginder of Crestwood, Kentucky; his sister Pauline Groff (Ginder) of San Angelo, Texas, niece Sherry Edwards (Groff) of Watertown, Minnesota, nephew Kevin Groff and wife Jodi of San Angelo, Texas and many other family and friends. In 1960, Duane met Sharon Leeseberg, they fell in love and were married for thirty years. Even though they weren’t married to the end of his life, she remained the love of his life to the very end. Duane was known for his infectious laugh and practical jokes. His favorite summer pastime was watching the Barton City baseball team, most especially during the years when his boys played on the team together. He loved to play cards (euchre was his favorite and he could often be caught talking across the table). He was impossible to beat at checkers. Duane was an avid hunter and he enjoyed it most when he could hunt with his sons. In retirement he spent much of his time sitting on his front porch sipping a cup of coffee with his best friend Tippy on his lap while they watched the wildlife that surrounded his home, or poking fun and laughing with his buddies (in person or on the phone) while sharing some of his famous “cherries”. He also enjoyed watching his favorite morning and evening games shows on TV. In lieu of flowers, Duane’s children request donations to the American Cancer Society or The Medical Team Hospice in Flint, Michigan. A graveside service is scheduled for Friday, July 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Mikado Township Cemetery To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Duane A. Ginder, please visit our flower store.