Duane “Mac” McLaughlin passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2020, at the age of 69, in Traverse City.
He was born June 24, 1950 in Pontiac, Mich., to Donald and Loretta McLaughlin. He attended Avondale Public Schools in Auburn Hills, graduating in 1968. He participated in football, basketball, and track, and earned a football scholarship to Michigan State University. He went on to play football for the Spartans as a defensive tackle and graduated with a degree in physical education.
He began his career as a physical education teacher for the Berrien Springs Public School system and taught for 38 years, first in the former junior high building and then the middle school, until his retirement in 2012. He also coached JV and varsity football, middle school basketball, and middle school and high school track during his tenure there. He loved coaching his Shamrock players.
Duane is survived by his wife, Diane, whom he married on June 23, 1973 in Hancock, Mich.; sons, Derek (Alison) and Drew (Stepfanie); grandchildren, Doug, Duane, Remy and Drake; brothers, Dale (Darlene), Dwight (Judi), Daniel (Faradilla), and David (Kim); sister, Donetta McLaughlin; brother-in-law, Ken (Carrie) Hodges; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Darlene Douglas; and sister-in-law, Lois Aleta McLaughlin.
Duane loved gardening, visiting parks and the Upper Peninsula, watching sports, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.
Due to the guidelines for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, only a burial service will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, at Rose Hill Cemetery, Berrien Springs, with Pastor William Walters of the Berrien Springs United Methodist Church officiating. Online www.allredfuneralhome.com.
Memorials may be made to the Berrien Springs Public Schools Athletics Dept., or the “Backpacks for Berrien” organization.
Posted On: Thursday, June 25, 2020 3:59 PM
