Duane Carl Drogitis

Duane Carl Drogitis; cherished son, brother, father, and grandfather passed away Oct 20th peacefully with his daughter by his side. Duane was born in Harlowton MT, on July 7, 1953 to Harry and Marlyse Drogitis. He had a wonderful childhood surrounded by his older brother Dennis, and two younger sisters Debra and Denise. His father was his idol, his mother he adored, and he shared a loving bond with his siblings. After Duane finished high school, he enlisted into the Army and proudly served his country overseas. For his next chapter in life, he followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and started working for BNSF and continued for over 20 years. Duane switched careers in 1999 and began working as the Fire and Safety Manager for Crossroads Correctional Center, which he continued until he retired in 2015; then became a full-time grandfather, which was his most prized job.

In 1981 Duane married Jo Dee Sweum and together, in 1986, they welcomed the biggest joy of their lives, their daughter Danielle (Dani) Drogitis . Duane and Dani immediately became inseparable and shared a bond of love that was never wavering throughout the years. His world would become complete with the births of his two granddaughters Kailer Junso in 2008 and Teagan Junso in 2014. “His girls” meant more to him than anything else in the world and he spent as much time as possible with them, riding the 4-wheeler, going to the river and back roading, picking them up from school, watching them play in his back yard, or just being “grandpa” to them.

His love for Montana and the outdoors showed in all he did. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, exploring, and spending time in the “boonies”. Duane had the largest heart and would do anything for a neighbor or friend at any time. He never met a stranger he couldn’t make friends with. His polarizing personality seemed to draw people right to him for a good chat; whether it be sharing the good fishing hole locations, where to follow the best tracks in the snow, or anything in between. He will be dearly missed by anyone and everyone that had the great pleasure of knowing him.

Services will be held on Friday, October 29th at 2:00 PM at the Montana Veteran’s Memorial Flag and Park.