Douglas Michael "Duke" Biechele
Jan 8, 1938 - Jun 13, 2023
Michigan
Douglas Michael "Duke" Biechele, 85, passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Michigan.
Douglas was born Jan. 8, 1938, in Sandusky, the son of Dallas (Dutch) and Mary Biechele. He was the fourth child out of five. He is survived by an older sister, Barbara Tuemler, and older brother, David Biechele. He was preceded in death by an 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 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 five great-grandchildren that were the light of his life over the past few decades.
Duke is also survived by three children, Steven (Cathy) Biechele of
Ortonville, Michigan, Kelly (John) Juronoc of Clinton Township, Michigan, and Debbie (Jay) Grider of
Metamora, Michigan; grandchildren, Jonathan, Joseph (Brittany), Natalie (Chase), Katie, Alex (Shauna), and Darby (Sean); and great-grandchildren, Ada, River, Caleb, Haven, and Korra.
He was also preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be 12-2 p.m. Monday, June 26, 2023, at Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky.
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/.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting
toftfuneralhome.com.

Published by Sandusky Register on Jun. 23, 2023.