Duane Arnold Gamble

Duane Arnold Gamble, age 94, of St. Ignace, Michigan, died on May 14, 2025, in Mancelona, Michigan. He was born on August 28, 1930, in St. Ignace, to Roy and Elizabeth (Allen) Gamble. Duane grew up in St. Ignace and attended St. Ignace Area Schools. He began working on the Mackinac Bridge as a laborer until the bridge was completed. He joined the Operating Engineers Local #324 in 1958. In 1952, Duane met the love of his life, Dorothy Nickel, through their shared mutual friends. They married on August 2, 1952, in St. Ignace and spent a lifetime together building a family, a home, and countless cherished memories. Duane’s work took him across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, some of the Lower Peninsula, and some of Wisconsin with Bacco Construction. He dedicated forty-five years before retiring in 2003. A man of many talents and passions, Duane was known for his love of the outdoors - he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping at Brevort Lake, gardening, and 4-wheeling. He also had a talent for cooking and a deep passion for woodworking, even building his own home entirely by hand, without the use of power tools. He was a devoted Detroit Tigers and Lions fan and rarely missed a game. Duane was a proud member of the Moose Lodge #999 in St. Ignace and Operating Engineers Local #324. Duane is survived by his children, Bruce (Suzi) Gamble of Norfolk, Virgina, Jeff (Lisa) Gamble of Moran, Michigan, Lisa Gamble of St. Ignace, and Tami Prall of Marquette, Michigan; grandchildren, Jeremy (Debbie Rose) Gamble, Jefferey (Mikaela) Gamble, Katti (Chad) Gouza, Misti Gamble, Meagan (Kevin) Staton, and Jack Prall IV; great-grandchildren, Jacob (Maddi Nance) Gamble, Jack Prall V, Ryleigh, Braedin, and Davyn; and brother-in-law, Gary (Kathy) Nickel of Nashville, Tennessee. Duane was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; parents, Roy and Elizabeth; brothers, Doug Gamble and Leonard (Margaret) Gamble; sister, Marvel (Ray) Walker; siblings-in-law, Delbert Nickel and Elaine (Arch) VanLannen. A Private Graveside Service will be held at Duane’s Final Resting Place at Lakeside Cemetery, in St. Ignace. Family Life Funeral Homes St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.

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Duane Arnold Gamble

August 28, 1930 - May 14, 2025