Duane H. 'Doff' Zuern, 74, of Tiffin, died Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at Mercy Hospital of Tiffin.

On March 6, 1935, he was born in Fostoria to Harold and Lulu (Fox) Zuern. On July 17, 1971, he married Sheila R. (Cusick) Saxton.

Survivors include a daughter, Jacquie (Carl) Chancey of Fostoria, two sons, Steven M. Saxton and Jeffrey A. (fianceAC. Marti Montz) Saxton, both of Tiffin, three adopted sons from a previous marriage, Richard Zuern, and Terry Zuern, both of Tiffin, Donald Zuern of Toledo, eleven grandchildren, Kyle and Mackenzie Saxton, Nick Fry, Robert Chancey, Megan, Melissa and Brandon Zuern, Brad and Shelby Zuern, Loren and Andrew Zuern, and two great-grandchildren, Abigail and Madison Chancey.

Preceding him in death along with his parents and wife, Sheila on December 23, 2007, is a brother, Robert Zuern and an adopted son, Steven Zuern.

Duane graduated from Fostoria High School in 1953 and was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ. He worked with his father in his early years at Zuern & Son Fix It Shop. He started working at National Machinery in 1957 where he began his career in the fabrication department remaining until retirement in 1998. Duane started as a sheet metal welder with other jobs including heavy welding, template layout and design, and serving as group leader. He was a member of the Quarter Century Club. He was an avid golfer, bowler, loved to camp out, go to and watch the Cleveland Indians and The Ohio State University.

Duane was a member of Moose Lodge 846 and past Exalted Ruler of BPOE Lodge 94 from 1987-1988, where he was a 29 year member and a member of the Hall of Fame. He tried to attend as many of his grandchildren's school and sporting events as he could. With many physical problems after retirement, he was unable to golf as he would have loved to, but now he can golf on flat greens, have long drives, short putts and be active.

He will be missed by his family and friends as well as his best little buddy, Little Fella, his dog, who is already missing naps on his lap.

His Funeral Service will be 10:30 AM, Monday, December 14, 2009 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH, 44883, 419-447-2424, with Rev. Dr. Louis Dorsch officiating. Burial will follow in Fountain Cemetery, Fostoria.

Friends may visit with the family 4-8 PM, Sunday, December 13, 2009 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home. National Machinery Quarter Century Club will meet in body at 8:00 PM. Elks Lodge 94 will conduct memorial services at 8:15 PM.

Memorial contributions can be made to Community Hospice Care or the Diabetes Association.

Letters of condolence may be sent, and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.