Robert Duganz
January 05, 1923 - July 09, 2017
Obituary
Robert “Pertz” Duganz, a longtime Anaconda resident, passed away Sunday June 9, 2017 in Billings Montana with his daughter at his side. He was born January 5, 1923 in the family home in Anaconda to Mike Duganz and Anna Domitrovich Duganz. He was the youngest of three brothers. He attended school in Anaconda, whether he wanted to or not. In first grade he would sneak home and sleep in the car instead. When he grew up, he went to work on “the Hill”, but when Pearl Harbor happened he enlisted in the Army. Even though he was an essential worker, he chose to fight for his country. He landed on the beach at Normandy on D-Day as part of the Big Red One. He was a 30 cal. Machine gunner. In his younger years it was rare that he spoke of his experiences during the war, but in later life he did share them with his family. His son in law, Don, was most able to get him in the story telling mode. From Normandy through France, to the Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge, he fought his way to within 50 miles of Berlin. He truly was part of the greatest generation. Upon his return home, he became an apprentice machinist for the Anaconda Company and by the end of 40 years, was a master machinist. He married his wife, Mary Larvie, on September 24, 1948 in Boulder MT. They were blessed with 6 children, including triplet boys. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, daughter Janey and sons, Bobby and Jim. He is survived by his son Mike (Kathleen) Duganz, daughters Cathleen (Bill) Belanger and Mary Anne (Don) DeTonancour. He was loved by his grandchildren Robert (Melissa) Duganz, Ben (Teisha) Belanger, Pat (Alisia) Duganz and Sarah (Toklar) Howell and was an important part of their lives. He also leaves behind great grandchildren Ethan, Emerson (his sword fighting partner), CJ, Kennedy, Bear , Grayson and Hudson. Pertz loved babies and dogs. He was always happy with a grandchild on one side and his dog on the other. He was a tough guy with a big heart. Special thanks to the staff at Edgewood Vista, especially Serena, Terri, Rhonda, Averill and Dez, for the kind compassionate care of our father. And, to Compassus Hospice, thank you for caring for us all. Memorials can be made to Pintler Pets of Anaconda or the Montana Hope Project (kids and dogs). Private family services to be held at a later date. Dahl Funeral Chapel, Billings, is assisting with the arrangements.
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Memories
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"Skip" and Regina Larvie
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Duganz Cousins: Brenda just let us know that Pertz passed away we are sad to hear of your loss. We both have fond memories of your father. A gentle giant for sure. I hate that since mom passed away we have not been back out to Montana but we do think of the family often. Our prayers are with you. Heaven has gained a wonderful angel. "Skip", Regina, Victoria & Alexandra Larvie
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Mykol Larvie
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Uncle Pertz was the best and I am grateful to have shared in his gentle kindness, and his fiery spirit! He was a wonderful person. He was a remarkable craftsman and was always making some funny little puzzle or game for his kids. I never heard him announce or present these creations, they would just appear. In addition to his family, he took care of many of his nieces and nephews, providing them shelter in his home, and feeding them some of the best cooking in Anaconda. Warm regards to the Duganz family!
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TJ
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Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Dear loved one. May the family of Mr. Duganz remember his long and full life with fondness and appreciation while opening your minds and hearts to receive the comfort and hope our Heavenly Father provides. (Acts 24:15; Ps. 37:29)
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Vicky blaskovich
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My dad Pudge Blaskovich always had a Pertzie story about the two of them growing up. Great great stories. My deepest sympathies. I hope they are together again telling those same stories.
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Terri Larvie
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To my Duganz cousin's Cathleen (Duggie), Mike & Maryanne..prayers to you & your families on the passing of Uncle Pertz. He was always a kind & gentle man to me anytime I visited when I was young. I remember taking the greyhound bus several times from Butte in the couple of summers. Him, Janey & I went fishing several times on the Big Hole, Flint Creek & I believe on the Wise River! Most times it was nice but a couple times it was Rainey & cold...but according to Uncle Pertz the best time to fish is when it was rainy! I remember him & Janey making their own flies! Me not so much!
What a beautiful write up to honor your Dad, Grandpa & Great Grandpa. Hope he is fishing with Janey in heaven as I write this.
Last time I saw him was at Mom & Dad's he was in town buying dog food! My Dad just turned 88 last month & Mom turns 86 this month. Hopefully they will continue to have many more birthdays.
Again prayers to you all at this time.
Terri Larvie
Butte, Mt
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Sheila R. Laslovich (Corcoran)
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On behalf of the Corcoran family in Anaconda, MT we are sending our deepest sympathies to all the family. We will remember your dad fondly as he was a great friend of our dad, Robert Corcoran. May God bless and keep you strong during these difficult days and may memories stay close to your heart. Flossie Thomas, and all of the Corcoran kids.