Age 65, passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2004. He was born on April 14, 1939 in Peck, Michigan the son of John and Leota (Wiess) Blatt. Mr. Blatt began his career teaching in the PW School District. After that he operated the State Farm Insurance Agency in Westphalia for 37 years and coached the PW Golf team from 1980-1995, receiving coach of the year honors in the State of Michigan twice. Duane was an exceptional human being who was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, and the Westphalia Knights of Columbus St. Jude Thaddeus Council #2890. He served on the Westphalia Fire Department for many years and during a portion of that time served as the Fire Chief. He was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Nina, whom he married on January 16, 1960; 5 children, Laurie (John) Sillman of South Riley, Katherine (Jack) VanBuren of Muir, Daniel (Christine) Blatt of Brighton, Cheryl (Phil) Allen of Muir and Deborah (Ed) Johnson of Kansas City, MO; 10 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; 2 sisters, Belva (Rex) Kennedy of Ashburn, GA and Sharon (John) Williamson of Laingsburg; many nieces and nephews. The Mass of Chrisitian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Cecilio Reyna, Pastor at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 4, 2004 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Westphalia. The family will receive friends at the St. Mary Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Rosaries will be prayed at 3 and 8 p.m. Tuesday and 3 p.m. Wednesday. There will be a Scriptural Wake Service held at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home.