Harold “Duane” Bushfield, age 85, of Vicksburg, Michigan died on November 29, 2025 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. He was born on August 22, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Harold Douglas and Emily (Bogaert) Bushfield. Duane was a 1958 graduate of Kimball High School in Royal Oak. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963. Following his years of service, Duane received his bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from Michigan Technological University and his master’s degree in business from Eastern Michigan University.
Duane’s career in metallurgy took him to multiple companies, where he grew into a remarkable engineer. In 1988, he received a U.S. Patent for designing a bi-metal electrical connecting apparatus. Another proud achievement was his involvement in the Aluminum Association, where he once acted as the star witness in a $57 million lawsuit. His work and testimony at the trial was pivotal in winning the case for his company, of which he joked that of the $57 million, he received a miniscule financial reward and a plaque. Duane retired from Alcoa in 2008.
On September 15, 1967, he married Frances Holster and they were blessed with three children, who will each attest to being his favorite. Over the years, the family moved 9 times, residing in Michigan, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Duane went from being a greaser to being a cowboy-boot-pocket-protector-wearing engineer to being a retired beach bum, and made friends everywhere he went.
Duane always wanted a ball team, and he got one! He was the most fun grandpa to each of his 9 grandkids; whether it was taking them on trips to the ice cream shop, fishing, enjoying music with them, picking raspberries with them, or telling them the most entertaining stories and jokes. He created the most unique and special bond with each and every one of them.
In retirement, Duane and Fran settled in Vicksburg, MI, spending summers at Klines Resort in Three Rivers and winters in South Padre Island, where he especially loved dancing the nights away with Franny, the love of his life. He loved to fiddle with his ukulele and banjo, fish, talk finance, grow his garden, and travel to visit family and friends.
Duane’s other retirement highlights included being a member of the VFW Post 5189 in Vicksburg, the Schoolcraft American Legion, and the Grape Country Model A Club of Southwest Michigan. Duane loved remodeling Fran’s first car, a 1931 Model A, with the help of a great group of friends from the Model A Club. He also loved studying the stock market, sharing a glass of his infamous cherry bounce, and chatting with anyone who crossed his path.
His family includes his wife, Fran Bushfield; his children: Sheri (Joe), Steve (Kim), Alicia (Greg); his grandchildren: Kelsey, Nathan, Alex, Drew, Allie, Claire, Liam, Audrey and Reagan; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Laurie, and several of his dearest friends.
Friends are invited to gather with his family on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 2:00-3:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 411 East Centre Avenue, Portage, where his memorial service and military rites will be held at 3:00 PM. Following the service, family and friends will celebrate Duane’s incredible life together at the Klines Resort Clubhouse in Three Rivers at 4:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Duane to Vicksburg VFW Post 5189, 101 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 or Centrica Rose Arbor Hospice, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (or directly at centricacare.org/giving).
Please share memories with his family at langelands.com
