Duane Michael Akre (72) passed away on January 16th, 2024, with his wife Susan Ockert and several family members by his side. Duane was born in Granite falls, Minnesota and at the age of 6 his family moved west to Idaho in 1957. Duane came from a logging family and as many of you know the Akre Logging name is still carried on by his brother Dean and Dean's son Reuben.

Duane served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1971-1972 where he was honorably discharged after a piece of shrapnel had lodged in his leg. In the army he served with the 236 Dustoff Medical Evacuation. Their job was to pick up the wounded by helicopter, in which most of the time they were being shot at by the enemy and Duane's job was to fire back and try to make it possible for them to land and pick up the wounded – thus that is how he got wounded. He was also a helicopter mechanic during that time. To his wife Susan he was a hero!

He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device. Several Years later he started attending the Medivac Reunions which were held every year in different cities. He looked forward to each one as he knew he would be hooking up with others in the 236 Dustoff unit. Duane also enjoyed the yearly hunting camps and islanders where him and a bunch of wonderful friends would camp, fish, hunt and spend fun times together.

Duane is survived by his wife Susan (Ockert), grown children Nikki Westervelt (Jim), Jason Pilalas (Carey), Christina Pilalas (Greg), two sisters Peggy Smith (Van), Cindy Grady (Mike), and brother Dean Akre (Sandy), Five grandchildren; Dustin Pilalas, Ari Diaz, Jeremy Pilalas, Carson Pilalas, and Reagan Westervelt, several nieces, nephews and great-nephews. Duane was preceded in death by his parent Reuben and Eila Akre, brother Ron Akre and nephew Spencer Smith. Duane was well known for his auction finds and the pranks he would play. He was a kind man willing to help most people. He loved and cherished his family as we loved and cherished him. He is and always will be greatly loved and missed. His loss has definitely left a huge hole in all of his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Popeye's in Priest River, ID on Saturday, February 17th from 2-4 PM.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Priest River, ID is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com