Obituaries

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.