Duane Kohoutek

Duane Kohoutek was born September 15, 1933 and died on February 20, 2017. He was born to Frank and Margaret (Sandeen) Kohoutek in LaMoure, ND. Then the family moved to Grand Forks, ND, where he was raised with an older brother, Frank Jr. He graduated from Central High School in Grand Forks. He enjoyed basketball and baseball, playing on independent teams. Duane served in the Army from 1953 -1955. He was stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and was discharged as a SGT (T). He received the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal (which everyone received if they behaved themselves).Duane married Shari Lee Nimmick on August 28, 1955. They met on a blind date in Fargo, ND. Their courtship was primarily through letters and included about 8 dates. Their union lasted 61 1/2 years and Shari became his best friend. They had 5 children, Mark, Ken, Susan, Bryan Jimmy, and G.B. Duane graduated from the U. of North Dakota in June 1959. He taught school and coached basketball in Forrest River, ND for one year. The family moved to Great Falls, MT in January 1961. He was proud to have been the first Vice President of the Riverview Elementary School and helped draw up the original charter. Duane was also pleased to be one of the first who worked and then played on the softball complex built in Great Falls. He played basketball, softball and bowled in the city leagues. Duane's Shamrock Bar team won the Elks State Bowling Tournament in 1986. Duane worked as a sales representative for General Mills for 16 years. He also owned and operated the Shamrock Bar from 1980 - 1992.Education was very important to Duane, and he was proud that his children graduated from a 4 year college or university. Five of his 7 grandchildren also have degrees. Duane and Shari spent 22 winters in Apache Junction, AZ. Duane even had a hole in one at the Roadhaven Golf Course. Playing cards of all kinds was a big part of his life. He earned the title of Silver Life Master in duplicate bridge. He had a great sense of humor and dry wit. Many of his quips will be remembered forever by his friends and family. Duane and Shari went on many cruises and they were his favorite vacations. His last one was a 29 day cruise to the Hawaiian and French Polynesian Islands.Duane is survived by his wife, Shari; children Mark (Patty), Ken (Susan), Susan (Roger) Reppe, all of Great Falls, and G.B. (Cindy) of Thailand; grandchildren Ross (Erin) Thomas from Great Falls, Taylor (Ethan) Hill of Waveland, IN, Kelsey (Shawn) Brown of Great Falls, Colin (Fiance Brittany Cannon) Kohoutek of Boise, ID, Ethan Kohoutek of Helena, MT, lleigha Kohoutek of San Diego, CA, and Tanner Kohoutek of Scottsdale, AZ; great-grandchildren Emma, Abby, and Charlie Hill, London Kohoutek, and Mackenzie Thomas; brother Frank; and numerous nieces and nephews.Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Margaret; son Jimmy; and granddaughter Brianne Kohoutek.A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Bethel Lutheran Church.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Bethel Lutheran Church, 1009 18th Ave SW, Great Falls, MT 59406-7008, American Cancer Society, PO Box 5713, Helena, MT 59604, or the Great Falls Realtors Flag Project, 401 13th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405.