Duane "Buzz" Allen Dwire

Duane “Buzz” Allen Dwire was born in Park Rapids, MN on July 29th, 1939 to his parents Donald and Agnes Dwire. In the mid 1940’s, the Dwire family moved to Waterford Township, MI. where the three kids, Margaret, Buzz, and Harry, attended Waterford Village Elementary (where three generations of Dwires ended up attending), and eventually, Waterford Township High School where Buzz graduated in 1957.

After high school, Buzz joined the Navy and completed his training as an aviation mechanic to service Naval jet fighters. After his training, he was transferred to the USS Ticonderoga where he did a 13 month “around the world cruise,” bringing aboard fighter and bomber squadrons during his time abroad. In 1959, Buzz was transferred to the USS Ranger where they traveled back to the far east.

In July of 1960, Buzz was discharged from the Navy and he met his soon to be bride, Shirley Swalm. Buzz and Shirley would soon get married and have three beautiful children, Brian Keith in 1961, Kimberly Jo in 1962, and David Allen in 1966. During this time, Buzz worked at Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors and he also worked part time as a Reserve Police officer for the Waterford Township Police Department. After twelve years of marriage, Buzz and Shirley ended up parting ways, and Buzz moved out to Colorado two years later.

In Colorado, the place Buzz called home until the very end of his life, he got a job at Stevenson Chevrolet and was promoted to Service Manager. In early 1978, Buzz met Mary Gaye Dobelbower, who he referred to as the “love of his life.” Buzz and Mary were married, and welcomed a daughter, Keri Leigh in 1979, and another daughter, Katy Brooke in 1983. Buzz worked in the car business until he retired in 1999. After 23 years of marriage, Buzz and Mary made the difficult decision to go their separate ways in 2001, and in 2003, Buzz moved back to Michigan to help take care of his elderly mom.

Buzz spent the rest of his life where it all started; in Waterford, Michigan. He had a love for fishing, for the Denver Broncos (sorry, Lions), and for his Catholic faith. He adored spending time with his family and his relationships with his son Brian, and his brother Harry, grew particularly special to him in those last years. Buzz loved witnessing his children become parents and excel in their careers. Anyone who knew Buzz knew that he was a teller of tall tales, at times, to a fault. But if there was one thing he was always honest about, it was his enormous love for his family. Buzz’s family will never forget how quick he was to confess his love and gratitude, especially to his children during his later years. Even though Buzz had a lot of tragedy, loss, and health problems throughout his life, he never seemed to dwell on it, and always tried to find the light in the darkness. Even in his last days, his sense of humor and love for his family shined through, making his kids laugh and feel his unwavering love until the very end. His kids will forever be proud of their dad for his military-like bravery and for how hard he fought to stay with them.

Buzz was preceded in death by his dad, Donald, his mom, Agnes, his sister, Margaret, and his love, Mary Gaye. He is survived by his brother Harry (Carol), his children, Brian (Chris), Kimmy (Scott), David, Keri (Jason), and Katy (Evan), his grandchildren, Adam (Jacqlyn), Ryan, Cory (Kendra), Sean (Haley), Carson (Shelby), Brayden, Cameron, Emma Kate, and Liam, and his great grandchildren, Branden, Mason, Sophia, Lily Jo, Ellie, and Emma Jean, along with several nephews and nieces and their children.

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