Douglas (Duke) Michael Biechele, passed away on June 13, 2023. He was 85 years old.
He was the son of the late Dallas (Dutch) and Mary Biechele. Douglas was born in Sandusky, Ohio on January 8th, 1938. He was the 4th child out of 5, and is survived by an older sister, Barbara Tuemler and an older Brother, David Biechele. He was pre-deceased by his older brother John Biechele and younger sister, Linda Mitchell.
He met the love of his life in high school, Ann Conrad. After graduating from Sandusky High School, he attended Bowling Green State University to receive his Bachelor’s degree in accounting. Before he graduated, he married Ann in 1958. Ann worked to support him throughout his college years until he began his long-time career at General Motors. Duke and Ann had three children, Steven, Kelly, and Deborah (Debbie). Early in Duke’s career, he was transferred several times before permanently settling down in Warren, Michigan.
Duke worked for 37 years at GM as an Engineering Staff Manager. Outside of work, he had several hobbies. Duke was an avid small and large game hunter throughout his life. He was the Senior Regional VP of Ducks Unlimited (DU). He spent much of his time helping with fundraising efforts, which included him being the “MC” for their annual banquet. He and Ann attended several Ducks Unlimited national annual conventions. Duke was a also member and the Past President of North Macomb Sportsmen’s Club, where he spent several years shooting in different leagues, serving on their board, helping plan holiday parties, and attending fish fries during lent. Duke is often remembered by the jokes he shared with everyone that he met. He made it his mission to brighten the days of those around him.
Duke was very devoted to his family, always looking forward to the next family event, whether it was a birthday, holiday or any other reason to gather together. He enjoyed making his famous grand-slam breakfast during the holidays. He was very proud of his six grandchildren, and 5 great grand-children that were the light of his life over the past few decades.
Duke is survived by his three children, Steven, (Cathy) Biechele of Ortonville, MI, Kelly (John) Juronoc of Clinton Township, MI and Debbie (Jay) Grider of Metamora, MI, their grandchildren, Jonathan, Joseph (Brittany), Natalie (Chase), Katie, Alex (Shauna) and Darby (Sean), great- grandchildren Ada, River, Caleb, Haven, and Korra.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org/ or Hospice of Michigan, https://www.hom.org/donations/.
Visitation
JUN 23. 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM (ET)
Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors, Inc. – Sterling Heights
3801 18 Mile Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48314