Grandpa

On Friday afternoon, just after we left the church where Joshua had been preparing his little sermon, Colby received a phone call from his mother telling us that his Grandpa Hershey had passed away.

It was "expected"; he had fought his pancreatic cancer hard.

But there is never really a way to "expect" a goodbye like this, is there?

Until we meet again, when we hear the voice of Jesus calling us home, thank you Grandpa, for playing such a vital role in Colby's life, for bringing Grandma into our lives, and for enjoying your great-grandchildren SO much!

"Duane William Hershberger, 76, died Friday, July 1st, 2011 at his home in Kalkaska, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous fight against cancer. He was born on September 23rd, 1934, and raised in Fairview, Michigan, the son of Levi Miller and Elva Mae (Oaks) Hershberger

He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Jacqueline (Bergdoll Frey) Hershberger; his children Michael Duane Hershberger (Kim) of Kalkaska, MI.; Gail Hollee Macomber (Gary) of Cicero, IN.; Mitchell Wayne Hershberger (Nan) of Mancelona, MI; Gaye Erie Brueggeman (Lloyd) of Williamsburg, MI; Wendi Lea Hudson of Shelby Township, MI; and Jodi Lynn Crandall (Gary) of Clarkston, MI; two brothers, Lotus Dean Hershberger of Normal, IL. (Judy) and Virgil Stanwyn Hershberger (Margaret) of Fairview, MI; 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, all of whom he dearly loved.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lyle Bernell Hershberger; a granddaughter, Crystal Hershberger; and his first wife of 47 years, Lydia (Bailey) Hershberger. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1953 and worked in farming until December, 1971, when he was employed by Northwood Transport, Inc in Kalkaska as a driver, in sales, and as a dispatcher. He retired after 26 years on January 2nd, 1998.

Duane was loved dearly by his entire family and many friends. He will be missed greatly but is resting in peace now, awaiting the coming of his Lord and Savior to take him to his final home.

A memorial service is planned for Sunday, July 17th at 3:30 pm at the Kalkaska Funeral Home, 152 S. Cedar St., Kalkaska, MI."