Duane Schnittgen, 73, a retired farmer died Friday, Aug. 1, 2008, at the Northern Montana Care Center from complications of diabetes.
Cremation has taken place and at his request no services have been planned. Memorial contributions in Duane’s honor may be made to the Northern Montana Hospital Dialysis Unit or the Havre-Hill County Library. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Duane was born May 8, 1935, in Plentywood to Norbert and Vera (Grove) Schnittgen. He was raised and educated in Plentywood, graduating from high school in 1953. He moved to Havre to attend Northern Montana College, and graduated with his associate degree in automotive mechanics in 1956. Duane married Joanne Oakland on June 3, 1954, in Plentywood. The couple made their home in Havre where Duane farmed and worked as a parts man for H-O motors and Central Machinery. Duane also worked for the Hill and Blaine County road departments. Duane was a hard working man who enjoyed hunting and attending all of his grandchildren’s sports activities. Duane’s number one priority was his family. He enjoyed spending time with them and attending all of the family reunions. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Vera (Grove) Schnittgen; his sister, Louise Johanson; a brother, Kenneth Schnittgen; and his granddaughter, Hailey Schnittgen. Duane is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joanne Schnittgen of Havre; his four sons, Douglas (Cindy) Schnittgen of Oklee, Minn., Dennis Schnittgen of Glendive, Donald (Carol) Schnittgen of Havre, and David (Brenda) Schnittgen of Helena; a sister, Joyce (Doug) Hjort of Urbandale, Iowa; sister in-law Elnora Schnittgen of Blackfoot, Idaho; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
