Duane Henry Harwick

Duane Henry Harwick February 24, 1937 - November 10, 2025.
At the age of 88, Duane passed away peacefully at his Bluffton, SC home surrounded by family. He was born and raised in Chicago, and loved the Cubbies! Duane graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree, where he also distinguished himself as a collegiate athlete on the U of I golf team (his claim to fame was losing to OH State against their best player, Jack Nicklaus). His professional journey saw him excel at General Motors, where he was a recognized inventor with several brake patents over his 30+ years with the company. (testing brakes was a part of his everyday driving routine, requiring quick acceleration, hard braking, and children securely seat-belted) His expertise took him to various locations, including Michigan, Ohio, and even Germany, where he forged friendships and left lasting impressions.
Duane LOVED sports! His favorite sport to play and watch was golf. (He never made a hole-in-one. He rolled his eyes when his father bragged about his two. However, he cheered when his grand-daughter recently made her first hole-in-one). He also enjoyed snow skiing and bowling. While not a sport, he loved competing and teaching at the euchre table.
Duane was known for his warm friendly smile, his resilience, intelligence, and a personality that could light up any room. His kindness, sense of humor, honesty, and loyalty were reflections of the values he held dear. He took great pride in being a loving father to his children. Duane was a loving husband to Glenna Harwick for 39 years. He was a devoted father, and cherished grandfather who left a lasting mark on all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry C. & Scottie V. Harwick. He is survived by his caring wife Glenna Harwick, his son Daniel Harwick, his daughters Kelly A. Gibson (Husband: Tim), Susan Q. Jones (Husband: Rob), and Kristen N. Wagner (Husband: Bob). He also leaves behind five adoring grandchildren: Joseph Gibson, Samantha Gibson, Erika Wagner, Matthew Wagner, and Elizabeth Jones, who will forever carry fond memories of their grandfather.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends and loved ones consider making donations to the National Ataxia Foundation in Duane's memory, aiding in vital research. https://www.ataxia.org/donate/
A private family service will be held to honor his life and legacy. Duane's life was a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, and unwavering support for his family. He will be deeply missed but always remembered by those fortunate enough to have known him. We will keep him alive through our stories!