Duaine Gerald Chenier, age 74, of Rapid River passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023.
Duaine was born June 28, 1949 in Escanaba, the son of Gerald and Blanche (Charlebois) Chenier. He graduated from the Gladstone High School in 1967. Duaine enlisted in the US Army in 1968. He is a Vietnam War Veteran, serving two and half years in Vietnam. He received the Vietnam Campaign and Service Medals, National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He worked for the Marathon Gas Station, dug graves in the Rapid River Cemetery and was a lifelong handyman. He was also a member of the Rapid River American Legion Post 301. Duaine was united in marriage to Virginia Schueler in Escanaba on June 27, 1979.
Duaine is survived by his wife, Virginia of Rapid River, brothers, Dennis (Brenda) Chenier of Trot Wood, OH, David (JoAnne) Chenier of Flat Rock, sisters, Beverly (Robert) Miller and Judy Chenier of Gladstone and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Rodney Chenier and sister, Gloria Julien.
Private graveside services will be held in the Rapid River Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
John Polakowski - Appleton , WI
Duaine was never afraid of hard work. He loved to work with his hands and could fix or build anything. He enjoyed living in the house that he built for so many years. I fondly remember the tree house that he built for our kids, his three nieces. He even ran a wire for a few hundred feet to give it electricity. I often boasted about the fancy tree shack in the UP. If there is something that needs fixing out in the universe, Duaine will take care of it.
Fred and Ellen Kossow - Rapid River, MI
Duaine was one of the sweetest, kindest, caring people that we were blessed to be friends with. He would bless us with his presence when he would come over, have coffee and enjoy the scenery at our house. We always had a lot of laughs with him and he will truly be deeply missed. Rest in Peace, Duaine, we know you deserve it. Forever in our hearts…
Linda Budkis - Gladstone, MI
Duaine stood up as our best man, back in 1970, he would come over and we would have a good visit, he would always keep us laughing. when they went to river and Duaine caught a two inch trout, which I had to cook up for him. he loved every little bit of it. he also showed us his skill with a compound bow, as only he could, the years pass quickly, and we lose contact with our old friends, but Duaine you will not be forgotten, thanks for all the memories..Linda
Duane webber - GLADSTONE, MI
Duaine was always there for me whenever I needed a hand….lots of times he would just show up before I even knew I needed a hand. He was such a blessing to everyone who knew him. He was such an unbelievable person sometimes I would kick em to see if he was real lol. One time he lost a tooth and for his birthday I got em a brand new one…a chiclet lmao i told em it would also make his breath smell better lol i loved how we could just cut up with each other without ever worrying about offending the other
Shelli (Phillips) Murray - Escanaba, MI
Duaine was such a sweetie!! He helped my Grandparents, Jim and Arlene Phillips, so many times!! I use to hang out at he and Virginia’s home a lot growing up!! They were VERY special, amazing people!!! <3
Maria Boudreau - ESCANABA, MI
Duaine was so nice and funny. Him and Ginny were the best.