Duane E. Luedecking

Passed away at his home, Tuesday, October 22, 2024, with his family by his side. Duane was born July 10, 1945, to the late Edwin and Doris (Miller) Luedecking, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Duane graduated from Richland High School in 1963 and joined the workforce. Eventually, Duane started working for The Upjohn Company, where he earned many titles as he was a very hard worker. On February 12, 1980, Duane married his best friend, Carolyn (Stockinger), who he spent over 40 loving years with.

Surviving Duane is his wife, Carolyn; children, COL Ret. Timothy (Kathy) Luedecking of Waxahachie, Texas, Laurie (Brian) Klok of Kalamazoo, Daniel (Stephany) Luedecking of Riverside, California and Mindy Deuel of Portage; grandchildren, Courtney (Collin) Garcia of Waxahachie, Texas, Justin (Keeryn) Luedecking of Temple, Texas, Jacob Klok of Kalamazoo, Alaina (Parker) Loomis of Chicago, Illinois, Jordan, Brandon, Colin, and Devin Luedecking of Riverside, California, Cassie (Tyler) Olds of Portage and Ben Deuel of Portage, four great-grandchildren; brothers Robert (Terry) Luedecking, Gerald (Trudy) Luedecking, and Daryl (Debra) Luedecking; many nieces and nephews, and many umpire and refereeing friends. Preceding him in passing are his parents; son-in-law, Jeff Deuel; and sister in-law, Cyndee Luedecking.

Duane had many hobbies that brought him great joy throughout his life. He was a well-renowned baseball umpire, mentoring many young umpires, working years of high school, college and state final games. Later in life he picked up refereeing football and was able to be a part of many state final games at Ford Field. He was a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association and the Kalamazoo Corvette Club. He also bowled throughout his life and racked up several 300 games.

A funeral service will be held in Duane’s honor on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11:30 AM, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009. Friends are welcome to greet the family from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, prior to the service, and everyone is welcome to stay for lunch provided by the family following the service, at the same location. Private family graveside will take place at Portage South Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Allies for Greyhounds, PO Box 63, Grandville, Michigan 49468-0063 or the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation, 10100 East D Avenue, Richland, Michigan 49083. To view Duane’s personalized guestbook, please visit, https://www.langelands.com.