Duane E. Grabert Sr.

Visitation: Thursday, 3 to 8 PM

Services: Friday, 11 AM

Duane E. Grabert, Sr., 65, of Newburgh, IN, passed away, Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 19, 1944 in Evansville to Fred and Olivia (Thompson) Grabert. He was a graduate of St. Bede Academy, Peru, IL, where he particularly excelled in varsity football. Soon after graduation he began a long career with Sears, starting in the Automotive Services department. He was most recognized, by many, from his care for his customers in the Lawn and Garden department of Sears, Washington Square. Duane retired from Sears in 1999 after 36 years at Washington Square. After retirement he worked at Lowe's and then returned to his love of automobiles by working part-time at Chrysler of Evansville. He was active in national and civic service. He was a member of the United States Army Reserves from 1964 to 1970. He served on the Newburgh Town Council from 1976 to 1980. He was a dedicated member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Newburgh. Cars were his abiding passion. He was involved with the NHRA and IHRA for over 35 years and was well known as an official at drag racing meets of those associations. A life-long dream became a reality when he acquired his own hot rod. He and his son spent hours tuning it to perfection and he had some time of joy in the car and in sharing that enjoyment with many of the young folks of the immediate and extended family. He loved any time on the water ~ lake, river, or ocean ~ and through the years kept a boat for family outings. But among all these things, he treasured most the times he spent with his grandchildren. Duane is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan (Herr) Grabert; daughter, Christy Jones and her husband, Michael of Evansville; sons, Duane Grabert, Jr., and his wife Monica of Evansville and Marcus Grabert and his fiancé, Katie Wisnovsky of St. Augustine, FL; brother, Rev. Colman Grabert of St. Meinrad, IN and St. Louis, MO; four grandchildren, Kegan and Baylee Grabert and Austin and Andrew Jones. Duane was preceded in death by both his parents, and a grandson, Christopher Grabert. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 4, 2010 with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 625 Frame Rd., Newburgh, IN. Rev. Fr. Joseph Ziliak will officiate. Inurnment will be in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Mausoleum at a later date. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, June 3, 2010, with a memorial service at 7 p.m. at Titzer Family Funeral Homes ~ Simpson Chapel, 510 W. Jennings St., Newburgh, IN. Additional visitation will be held on Friday, 10 a.m. to service time at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hope Lodge Memorial Foundation, 2008 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, TN 37203. Condolences may be made @www.titzerfuneralhomes.com.