Obituary of Duane Lyle Wheatcraft

Duane Lyle “Weiner” Wheatcraft, 75, of Farnham St., Addison, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Born in Hornell on January 30, 1948, Duane was a son of the late Lyle and Gwendolyn (Watson) Wheatcraft. He was a graduate of Addison Central School. Shortly after finishing high school, Duane enlisted in the US Army, serving from 1966 to 1969, which included deployment to Vietnam. He was a true patriot and was very proud of his military service. Shortly after leaving the Army, Duane met Arlene Glass and on May 8, 1971 they were married at the Addison Presbyterian Church. They made their home in Addison. Duane was a long time employee of A.L. Blades & Sons in Hornell where he was a roller operator for one of the paving crews. Duane was a kind hearted and generous man. He was always willing to help anyone with a need or anyone less fortunate. He developed close relationships with many of the residents of nearby Addison Place where they would stop in to chat or to have something repaired or inspected. He also was close with many in the area Amish Community. He loved holidays and family gatherings. Duane and Arlene had many couples in their circle of friends that they would often travel with, be it Caribbean cruises or bus trips as well as time spent camping at Bucktail Camp Grounds in Mansfield. These occasional excursions refreshed their souls and provided them with renewed love for life. He was a wonderful husband, Dad and Poppa. He adored his grandchildren in particular. His family was his world and they in turn adored him. Duane was a former member of the Addison American Legion Post and a trustee of Addison Rural Cemetery. Surviving Duane is his wife of 52 years, Arlene Wheatcraft of Addison, his daughter, Courtney Lynn Wood (Shawn Ruland) of Addison, his son, Corey Duane Wheatcraft (Misty Wilson) of Tioga, PA, his grandchildren who affectionately called Duane “Poppa”, Bryan Michael Wheatcraft, Bryce Lyle Wheatcraft, Sophie Elaine Wheatcraft and Aidan Duane Wood, his brother, Larue (Glenora) Wheatcraft of Woodhull and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Lawrence Eugene Wheatcraft, Dwight Wheatcraft, Twila Catlin, Gertrude Hawkins and Daniel Driscoll. Private burial will be made in Addison Rural Cemetery. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Woodhull, NY.