Duane Lynn Michaelis

Duane Lynn Michaelis, 65, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 21, 2023, in Bountiful, Utah, from complications due to type 2 diabetes. He fought the diabetes hard over the years, but his body finally wore out, and he was called home to join his father and grandparents who preceded him in death.  

Born on February 25, 1958, in Ogden, Utah, Duane was the second of five children of Robert and Sandra Michaelis. Duane spent his early childhood in Bountiful, Utah, and then moved to Spokane, Washington, with his family when he was ten. He graduated from Joel E. Ferris High School in Spokane in 1977.  

Following his graduation from high school, Duane served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Colorado Denver Mission from 1978 - 1980. He did a short stint in the US Air Force in Texas and Colorado, and then moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where his parents lived.

Duane loved basketball, BYU football, and driving any type of vehicle. He was a very hard worker, and put his all into everything he did. He found his niche driving big rigs for several companies, including Central Refrigerated Service and L.W. Miller Transportation. In recent years, Duane moved vehicles for TruckMovers in Salt Lake City, Utah, and drove for Lyft.

Duane married his eternal sweetheart, Edith Gay Michaelis in July 1996 in Wasilla, Alaska. Gay was a great support to him throughout their 27 years of marriage, and in recent years often drove the “chase vehicle” when he delivered trucks. Duane was known as “Pop” to Gay’s two sons, Tharon and Dorian, and they were sealed together as a family in the Redlands California Temple on November 12, 2011. Duane loved being with his family, especially his four grandchildren, whom he enjoyed tickling and giving hugs. He loved singing, and had a beautiful bass voice.  

Duane was preceded in death by his father, Robert Allen Michaelis. He is survived by his wife Edith Gay Michaelis, his children, Jennifer Michaelis (Michael Gillian), and Daniel Michaelis (Ashley); step-sons, Tharon Stark (Sharla), and Dorian Crozer (Emily); and his grandchildren: Zaya Stark, Daedric Stark, James Crozer and Harvey Crozer. He is also survived by his mother, Sandra Michaelis, siblings Robert Michaelis (Kathy), Ranel Case (Noel), Darrin Michaelis (Teanna), and Kate Nielsen (Dale), and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main St, Bountiful, Utah.  Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023, at the Riverside Cemetery in Riverside, Box Elder County, Utah.