Merle Duane Green

Merle Duane Green age 87, of Elsie, MI, passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Elsie United Methodist Church, Elsie, MI, on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Ava Williams and Pastor Fred Fischer officiating.  Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. and on Friday, August 17, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.

Duane was born in Elsie, MI on November 5, 1930, the son of Merle H. and Hope (Edwards) Green. He graduated from Elsie High School with the class of 1948. Duane married Grace Ensign on November 19, 1950 at the Bannister United Methodist Church.

Duane was a former partner, along with his family, in the Green Meadow Farms operation, Elsie, MI. Duane was involved with many organizations including: past president of the Holstein USA Assoc., Director of the National Ayrshire Assoc., Director of the National Cattlemen Assoc., Director of the North Star Select Sires, and Chairman of the Holstein Foundation. Duane also judged many dairy cattle shows in the USA and South America. He was a member of the Elsie Lions Club and the Elsie United Methodist Church.

Duane and Grace spent many winters on Marco Island, FL. He enjoyed traveling to the UP for the fall colors. Duane loved driving his draft horse Hughey. He also enjoyed his Ayrshire cows; especially Naomi.  Duane was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he loved the time spent with them.  To the community he was a very generous, but humble man.  Those that knew him well probably were victim to his playful teasing.

He is survived by his wife Grace Green of Elsie, MI; son Charles and Susan Green of Elsie, MI; daughter Karen and Arden Densmore of Elsie, MI; grandchildren: Emily and Mike Klingbeil of Cambridge, WI; William Green and Maureen Nagy of Grand Ledge, MI; Sadie Green of Lansing, MI; Michael Batora of Elsie, MI; Kristine Batora of Elsie, MI; Leah Batora of Elsie, MI; and two great-grandsons; Joshua and Matthew Klingbeil.  He is also survived by his brother Velmar and Margaret Green of Elsie, MI.  Duane was preceded in death by his parents, son Bryon Green, and former son in law Rick Batora.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elsie United Methodist Church, Clinton County Dairy 4-H, or to the Holstein Foundation, PO Box 816, Brattleboro, VT 05302-0816, holsteinfoundation.org . Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.