Duane Rife's Obituary
Duane Rife, age 92, of Spring Lake passed away July 1, 2019. He was born May 11, 1927 in Titusville, Pennsylvania to Dwight and Anna (Seifert) Rife. On February 1, 1958 he married Phyllis Butler of Toledo and she preceded him in death on April 25, 2004.
Duane was a long time resident of Spring Lake, having moved to the community in 1969 from Toledo, OH. He was a graduate of Toledo University and a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corp assigned to the European Theatre in WW2.
Duane was one of the trustees during the development of the Spring Lake District Library and always expressed his great appreciation for the community and donor support which was instrumental in adding this excellent facility to the Spring lake. His wish was that this strong support continues in the future.
Duane was an avid cyclist and photographer and enjoyed the region's parks and natural areas. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family would also like to express their thanks and appreciation to Duane's friends and neighbors. Duane considered himself fortunate to have had the friends and neighbors he had.
He is survived by three children: David Rife of Birmingham MI, Susan Celentano of Noblesville IN, and Douglas and Kimberly Rife of Valparaiso IN, and five grandchildren: Zachary and Abigail Celentano and Samantha, Mason and Brady Rife.
A memorial visitation will be held from 11:00 to 2:00 on Saturday, August 17 at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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