Duane Searson Church Jr., 81

Duane Church Jr., 81, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Duane was born in Marion, Ohio, in 1941, son of Duane Church Sr. and Frances Dodds Church. Growing up on the shores of Lake Erie, it was only natural that he chose to join the Navy after graduating from high school in Huron, Ohio. He served as a guided missiles technician on the USS Long Beach which included several trips to the Mediterranean, the Cuban Crisis and the first nuclear-powered, round-the-world task force.

After his discharge, he returned to his apprenticeship with NCR and, soon after, met Carol Sutz. They were married in 1966, and their two children Laura and Alan were born in Ohio. Later, Duane took over his father’s fuel oil delivery service for a brief time. In 1978, in need of an adventure, Duane and the family headed west and spent the summer just exploring. When they came to Sandpoint, they knew they had found the right place and made their home in a log cabin in the woods. A couple years later, he started his own business, Pack River Heating, which operated until his retirement in 2009.

Since he got his first muzzleloading rifle as a teenager and had an interest in history, he was eager to become involved in fur trade mountain man re-enactments. He and Carol attended their first rendezvous in 1979 and were hooked. Many of their summer vacations revolved around this activity. Duane, aka Church Mouse, became known for his tin-smithing and blacksmithing. He loved teaching children and beginners primitive camping skills. He was currently a member of the Coeur d’Alene Muzzleloaders Club.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Laura (Mike) Baird; son, Alan Church; and sister, Becky Collins; and also by many rendezvous friends that he considered family. He will be missed.

A memorial gathering will be planned for spring.

Family and friends are invited to sign Duane’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.