Duane 'Dewey' Lane

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Duane "Dewey" Lane, 87, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away suddenly Saturday evening, Sept. 29, 2018, at his home.

Dewey was born on April 10, 1931, in Wakefield, to Edward "Ham" and Irene (Pikka) Lane. He attended schools in Wakefield and graduated with the Class of 1949. During his high school years, Dewey was active in all sports.

On June 23, 1949, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving aboard the USS Robert Owens as a radio operator during the Korean War.

After he received an honorable discharge on April 15, 1953, Dewey enrolled at Northern Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1957.

He began his teaching and coaching career in Ashley and earned his Master of Arts degree at Central Michigan University in 1962.

Dewey returned to Wakefield in 1962 and began his teaching and coaching career in grades 1-12 primarily in physical education and history. During his career at Wakefield, he coached varsity football for 22 years (1962-84), junior varsity basketball for 25 years (1962-87), track for 13 years (1962-75) and baseball for four years, bringing it back after a lapse of a few years.

He proudly coached his two sons in Little League baseball for nine years (1973-82), both in jayvee basketball and his son, Mickey, in high school football.

Dewey was the recipient of the Michigan-Wisconsin U.P. Coach of the Year in 1969 and 1972, U.P. Coach of the Year (all classes) 1972, U.P. Coach of the Year (Class D) 1979, Great Western Coach of the Year 1979, Region IV Class D Coach of the Year 1979, Associated Press honorable mention 1979 and inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1988.

Dewey retired from teaching in 1989, due to health concerns.

During his retirement, he was appointed to the Wakefield School Board in 1994, and re-elected in 1995, 1998, 2000 and 2004, and the Wakefield-Marenisco School Board from 2006 until retiring in 2010.

Dewey was a faithful member of All Saints Lutheran Church, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dewey was a driver's education instructor in Marenisco. He enjoyed Monday night cards at Bingo's, morning coffee klatching with his friends at Ma's Place, while his faithful companion, Butch, waited patiently in his truck, his gambling trips and deer hunting at Camp Ice Box with his two sons, grandsons, brother-in-law, Gary Antilla and nephew, David Antilla.

Dewey was extremely proud of his grandsons and took special interest in their year-round sporting events, baseball, football and basketball always giving them coaching tips.

He remained a strong Michigan fan, win or lose, supporting the Lions, Pistons, Tigers, University of Michigan and Michigan State University and especially a strong supporter of the Cardinals.

Dewey is survived by his loving wife, the former Grace Antilla; three children, Linda (Lewis) Williamson, Paulden, Ariz., and Michael (Missy) Lane and Mark (Meghan) Lane, both of Wakefield; five grandsons, "his little peanuts," Eric (Kaitlyn Carli), Kevin (Darienne Korpi), Jacob, Braylon and Chase; his devoted sister-in-law, Charlene Antilla, Wakefield; his brother-in-law, Gary (Jane) Antilla, Green Bay, Wis .; two half brothers, Eugene (JoAnn) Lane, White Pine, and Gary (Mona) Lane, Caspian; five half sisters, Sharon White, Gladstone, Diane (Jim) Gibula, Kiel, Wis., Anita (Mike) Brass, Geneva, Ohio, Judy (Allan) Anderson, Ironwood, and Terry (Bruce) Brzoznowski, Iron River; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward; his mother and stepfather, Irene and Herman Ruditys; a sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and John Bale; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Aner and Mary Antilla; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam St., Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.

A memorial service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating.

Interment at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and the Wakefield VFW Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team.

A reception will be held at the Wakefield VFW Post 9084 following the military service.

Expressions of affection in a charitable contribution in Dewey's memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to the Dewey Lane Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund, c/o Grace Lane, 114 2nd Ave., Wakefield, MI 49968.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.