Duane Gemaehlich

Duane Gemaehlich, 88, passed away in Missoula, Montana March 25, 2026 after a brief illness.  He was surrounded by family.   

Duane was the youngest child and only son of Andrew and Edith Gemaehlich.  He graduated from Osage High School in 1955 where earned several athletic awards.  He served in the United States Army  from 1956-1958. He was stationed at Fort Lewis where he met his wife, Patricia (Pat).  The two married in 1959 and settled down in Portland, Oregon to begin raising their family Karla, Lori, Lisa and foster daughter Deb (Scottie).  They moved to La Grande, Oregon in 1974 hoping to live a more quiet, rural life.  Duane became a business owner, opening La Grande Drywall.  He was an active, and very proud, member of the Blue Mountain Boys as well as a member of The Elks Lodge and the National Atomic Veterans Association.    

Duane enjoyed an active life of fishing, snowmobiling and four wheeling at their beloved cabin above Wolf Creek Reservoir.  For those who knew him, you know that he loved shooting the breeze and sharing his opinions at local taverns in La Grande.  His true joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.   

Duane is survived by his older sister, Loella, his daughters Lori and Lisa, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.   

There will be no services per Duane’s request.