Duane M Bleak
St. George - Duane M Bleak, age 86, passed away February 13, 2018 in St. George, UT. He was born October 22, 1931 in St. George, UT to Moroni Wilford and Helen Pearce Bleak. He earned his Private Pilots license when he was 16 years old and flying remained a lifetime passion. He ended his career by flying scenic tours over the Grand Canyon. Duane graduated from Dixie High School in the Class of '1949. He worked hard throughout his life and was responsible and mature enough to drive truck while still a youth.
He served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Southern states. After his mission, he was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict where he served honorably. Duane always was known for being responsible, organized, honest and moral.
He married Alice Ruesch of Hurricane, September 10, 1956 in the St. George LDS Temple.
Duane has lived in Salt Lake City, UT, the states of Washington, California, and Texas but eventually, returned "home" to St. George, after retiring from IBM in 1987.
He had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed camping, motorcycles, boats, waterskiing and fishing. Spending time at Lake Powell was a favorite family recreational activity. Duane was a great gardener and his specialties were grapes and pomegranates. His experience with grapes came from his grandfather. The pomegranates he raised were from the original vines that his ancestors brought from England, known as "Dixie Sweets".
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Moroni and Helen Bleak; brothers, Nelson Bleak and Bruce Bleak.
He is survived by his wife, Alice; sons, Daniel (Jolynn) Blake of Keller, TX, and Kenneth (Kelley) Blake of Roy, Washington; daughter, Susan (Michael) Wynn of Basin, WY; 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Friday, February 23, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the Quail Valley Ward LDS Chapel, 1762 S. River Rd, St. George, UT. A gathering will be held in the Chapel from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., prior to services. Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, St. George (435) 673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign his online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Spilsbury Mortuary - St. George.
4 Entries
Thanks for being such a great flying friend. I have so many good memories with you flying over the Grand Canyon, Utah, Colorado and Nevada. Fly free my friend. Love ya Duane.
Raynel Hunt
March 6, 2018
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time
(Psalm 119:50,76).
A. M.
February 27, 2018
Dear Alice and Family,
I was saddened to read of the death of Duane. May you find comfort in the good memories and the wonderful reunion you will one day have with your husband, father, and grandfather.
Love from your Cousin,
Jackie Flanigan Robinson
Jackie Robinson
February 24, 2018
Death is never something easy to deal with may you continue to feel comforted by family and friends Proverbs 17:17
February 20, 2018
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Spilsbury Mortuary - St. George110 South Bluff Street, Saint George, UT 84770
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