Name: Retz Funeral Home
Address: Helena, MT

Wendy, Dusty and Pam - I'm so sad to hear about Dave!  I truly enjoyed working with him during my summers off from college!  He was always bugging me to finish my CPA and was so proud to hear I had done it!  His smile and loving spirit will be missed!  God Bless and keep you all!

Wendy and family--Just want to say on behalf of the Crowley family, that we loved the big guy and have very fun memories of him.......a true renaissance man.  Memories of Dave were of him being at our home for a spontaneous Christmas dinner with Dave playing classical piano after dinner.  who knew!  He was multi-talented to say the least.  Other memories were in the air above Helena with our feet hanging out of the open doors of a small aircraft....,,,we will miss Dave and his greeting each time we came to the Parrot.    Our thoughts are with you.  Steve, Karen, and Barb Crowley

Dear Wendy, Pam and Dusty,
I have many wonderful memories of my cousin Tully and the Parrot too.  I will miss him very much and I will cherish these memories.
Laurie Catt

Wendy, Dusty, Pam, we are sorry to hear of Dave's passing.  He was a great guy and will be greatly missed.  We wish you all blessings and God's peace over your lives during this trying time.

Wendy--I am so sorry your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.  I know you have so many memories to keep you going--you two were a great pair.  I am holding you in my heart.

My heart goes out to all of Dave's family and friends. I too, will miss his big smile and up beat personality. I have known Dave since grade school and valued his friendship over the years. He will be missed but not forgotten and I hope that your memories will provide you some comfort in the days ahead.

Wendy, Dusty, Pam & family. I am so sorry that you folks have to go through this. I have nothing but fond memories of Dave and your family feeding me and mine the little sweets and treats that make the Parrot. The friendship is the great bonus. Like they said he lived Large. Anyone who knew him thier life was better for it.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

Our sympathy is with your family.  Dave will always be remembered by our family for his teasing and of course, his chili.  Heidi, Jessica, Shawn and Michelle (Marlene's grandchildren)

Dear Wendy and family,
My heart is sad to hear of the loss of Dave. He was a classmate of mine and it was always fun to see him when we were in Helena for reunions. Visits to Dave at the Parrot were a connection to  friends, laughter, and good memories. Special treats from the Parrot were an important part of Helena for me. Thank you for the legacy and the commitment to our hometown. Your life made a difference, Dave. Blessings to your loving family.

Janelle and I, and our kids, are still speechless and in shock over Dave's passing. The Parrot has been part of our lives for many years and the Duensing family is one of those special families that makes Helena what it is. For me (Ken) I still remember the fun years ago when Dave was part of our downtown coffee crowd that went out for cheeseburgers before finding pay-for-view TV coverage of George Foreman heavyweight fights. I also spent many a cold morning in the back of the store watching Dave stir chocolate in the big copper pots. We'll all miss him. And we keep Wendy and all the other family in our prayers.

Dear Wendy and Family:
We were saddened to hear of Dave's illness and death.  We kept him and all of you in prayer, asking our parent's classes to do the same.  We have contributed to Chaffee County Colorado Child Support Services "Steppin' Out for Kids" in his name.  This group supplies shoes and coats to children living below poverty level. Helena (even for us!) will not be the same without his smiling and peaceful presence.  Love and prayers to all of you.
Pat and Russell Halpine

Wendy, Dusty and Pam, I was so sorry to hear about Dave's passing. He will be missed by so many. He definitely was the Helena ICON. Dave and I were classmates beginning in 7th grade until we graduated in '71 and then off to MSU. I loved coming home and going to the Parrot to see him. If he had time he would sit down for a chat as we ate chili and drank our Mexican Limes. What a great guy. I will miss his smiling face. His memory will never fade.  You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cathy Schneckloth Dawe

Dear Wendy, Pam, Dusty, Cindy, et al,  I am so saddened by Dave's passing.  He was such a sweet friendly guy.  It was always such a pleasure to run into him and have a bit of a conversation.  Randy recalls he was golfing with Dave the time he had his very best golf game.  Dave will be missed by many, many people.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and especially you, Wendy.  I am so very sorry for your loss.  Sincerely, Nata Noland (Helena)

Wendy, Dusty, Pam and extended family members. My sincere sympathy for your loss.  My first job was at the Parrot in 1970-71.  The Duensing family helped me develop a strong work ethic that has served me well over the years.  My prayers go out to all of you.  Lynn (Kitts) Brown, Moorhead, MN

I am so sorry about Dave.  He will be missed by so many.  My prayers are with all of his family.  Helena has lost one of it's greatest citizens.  God bless all of you.  Londa Routzahn Burns (Helena)

What a legacy he left behind.  I remember going into the Parrot as a child and later as an adult, and loving it always.  My dad used to get a box of candy for my mom from there a few times a year, no special occasion.  So, so sorry for your loss Wendy, Dusty, and Pam.  He was lucky in the fact that he did what he loved for a career, for a lifetime.  Not many people get to do that.  He will be missed.

Dear Wendy, Dusty, Pam and Family,

My thoughts, love and prayers surround you at this difficult time.  Dave touched so many lives with his hard work, wit and smile.  Dave and I shared many hours and many laughs over the years.  I fondly remember our talks behind the Parrott, afternoons at lakeside, boats of all kinds, hunting trips, fishing trips, weddings, cat griz games, football games, dinners , camping trips, getting trucks stuck and getting them free, evenings at the Rialto, and more recently visits catching up with each other lives.  Dave was always a loyal friend who would challenge you to be a better person.   With his big smile, blue eyes and booming voice, Dave was an engaging person.  Dave was always generous in sharing his thoughts and knowledge with me whether it was political, business, or how to fix beef spare ribs.  We had lots of fun together.  My future visits to Helena will be missing that big hello from Dave…   Godspeed my friend.

Dear Wendy and family:
Dave was a wonderful guy and we will miss him greatly.  We always enjoyed visiting with him about our mutual love of Hawaii and golf.  He had one of the best whale tail necklaces ever!  You are in our prayers.  
Dave and Sue Casey

Sending our deepest sympathy to all of Dave's family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Carl and Laurie Quist

Dear Wendy & Family:
We are not physically there but were are there in our thoughts, hearts and prayers.  Dave was a caring kind soul who was always there to help and give.  We will miss him greatly.  God bless you Baby Dave and watch over and protect us.

I found, like so many others that the real treat at The Parrot was not coming in the front door and ordering and enjoying it's wonderful selections, but to come in the back door and enjoy the two back there, Dave and Dusty.  How many times I came through that screen door to find the two of them working at their craft I will never know.  Dusty would start at me and point out what was right or wrong that I had written in the paper and Dave, bending over a table of candy he was working on, one hand on a knife and the other resting on the counter, head cocked would listen.  After Dusty was through he would look at Dave and say, " Isn't that right?" ( And it usually was) and Dave would straighten up and  afcing me would say, " Let me tell you something," and off he went.

It was, visiting that back room with "the Boys" one of those Helena experiences that you wish other people, other generations, could enjoy.  Now they are gone forever, but not for me, I have the memories and will hold on to them forever.

For me, Helena, and the future the world is a lot less with the loss of Dave.  i hope that I am not being to forward to call him a friend.  Now I have one less in the world, but I think that the world itself, and of course Dave's beloved family, is the worse for his death.  I can not say how sorry I am for this to happen, but I must say that I appreciate every moment I spent back in the kitchen and wish it was only more.            Jon Rush

Dear Wendy, Dusty & Pam:

I was so sorry to learn about Dave's passing.  I know what a source of strength and joy he was to all of his family and friends.  I am pleased to have known him as much as I did over the years, and while my loss hardly compares to yours, I still feel it quite strongly.  I always enjoyed seeing his smiling countenance and unwavering good spirit, whether is was at the Parrot or on the golf course.  May the time pass quickly for you all in your time of grief.

Steve Browning, Helena & Tucson

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and understanding in the days ahead.

Dear Wendy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. Dave was an inspiration to all with a kind soul and a bright smile.  I will sadly miss his encouragement and charm that he brought to all....

Dear Wendy, Dusty, and Pam,
It was truely sad to hear of Tully's passing. I can remember so many times at the Parrot over so many years.  Bill and Postie, Nancy and Arnald,Emma,and Dusty and Dave.  It was a delight growing up the "Sweetest family in town".  Dave was a person who was always great to be around with a great sense of humor and zest for life. I was always pleased to have known him.  From my earliest years, I remember Nancy always so good to us kids, and Tully and Dusty under her sturdy direction, and then Arnald in the back room cooking up something with his boys always around.  I worked there for a time with Emma dipping chocholate and packing boxes for the Christmas and Easter ruch. Dave always had such a great spirit.  We truly greive for your loss. Please know of my prayers for you during this time.  May our Lord's full blessings be his in the joy of his eternal kingdom. Ad moltos annos!

Wendy and Family - My heart goes out to you for your loss.  I have a lifetime of memories of my visits to the Parrot.  I especially remember Dave's friendliness when I picked up my Parrot candy for my Bozeman area customers each Christmas.  May you find peace at this difficult time.

Dear Wendy and family,
Mom told me today of Dave's passing.  I am so sorry for your loss.  I always enjoyed coming into the Parrot with my Mom and seeing Dave's big smile.  He seemed to really enjoy teasing my mom and of course she enjoyed it as well.  
You have my deepest sympathies and may you find comfort in God, your family and friends during this difficult time.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Fondest memories of Dave letting us in the back door of the Parrot and giving the kids samples of the most wonderful candy in the world!  He was a kind, smart man with always a story and a smile when we returned to Helena.  He will be missed.  The photo gallery is just wonderful, such great pictures of Nancy and Arnold.  
My sympathy to the Duensing family.  
Mary Mouat   Belllingham, WA

Dearest Wendy and family,  Doug and I were so sad to hear of your loss.  Dave was such a sweet man and your families legacy in Helena made Dave seem like family to everyone who lives here.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug and Julie Ludtke

I first met Dave when he was a "Gas Boy" at Morrison Flying Service. Dave and I flew together many times and had a great time.

Dave was a wonderful guy and will be missed by me and many others.

I first met Dave back in high school, and have many fond memories of working at the Parrot-(where some of my waistline came from). We had a lot of great times. Though we saw each other less and less frequently as we got older, the bond of friendship never dimmed. My heart goes out to Wendy, Dusty, and Pam.

To Wendy, Dusty and Pam--
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.  
We valued Dave's friendship over the years and will sorely miss the times we hoped to share in retirement. He always had a smile for us and he always made us smile.  His service to the community remains an inspiration to us.
Bob Fusie and Lorretta Lynde

My heart is saddened for all of us who were privledged to know Dave.  I hope he knew how much he was thought of and loved by many.  He touched lives everywehre.  Thank you Dave for all that you gave and the friendship that you shared.  Blessings for all of you as you move through the difficult days ahead.

Our deepest condolences to your family on the loss of such a great man.

My thoughts and prayer are with all of you. Dave will be terribly missed. I hope that you'll be able to let all the joyous memories bring you peace and comfort.

Wendy, Dusty, Pam:  We were shocked and saddened by your loss of Tully.  Steph and my dad were upset also and wanted you to know we are all thinking of you and your family.  Larry Steck called from Arizona also and was sad; he said he really enjoyed Dave as a friend.  We are so sorry and will be thinking of you all. We will remember him with fond memories.   Marla North (Johnson) & Don Bell

My deepest sympathy to Dave's family.  No matter how long it has been since we "hung out" his smile, laughter, and wonderful sense of humor are forever a part of my fondest memories.  Tee it up Tully - enjoy the greens there in Heaven!

My Mom called me yesterday to give me the sad news about Dave. I was his college roommate during Dave's senior year at MSU. Last night I reflected on our year we roomed together and the memories kept coming. Dave had a wonderful spirit, a great laugh, and a love for life. One of the best things about rooming with Dave was when he would return from a weekend with his family in Helena, he would bring back Parrot chili or venison, elk or other game meat from Dusty or other family members. Dave had a love and pride in his family - it was apparent in everything he talked about. He enjoyed many things, including hunting, flying his glider, sports, or just spending time with his friends.  At the time he graduated, he wanted to pursue his career apart from Helena (which he did for a short time), but I knew, and hoped, he would go back to the Parrot.  I am glad he did, and the city of Helena is better because of it.  Knowing Dave, I am not surprised to read all the comments from people who knew him.

I haven't been to Helena for many years.  I've wanted to come back for a visit, and seeing Dave was something that was important to me.  I am sorry I was not able to do that.  He is gone too soon. I wish the very best to Wendy, Dusty, and all the Duensing family.

Dear Wendy, Pam & Dutch;

We are so heart broken to hear of Tully's passing.  He had such a great heart and was a good friend.  I fondly remember all of the summers I spent with you Dutch and Tully at the lake and swimming pool and flying model air planes at the school.  Opening day of Creek fishing with our extended families and of course lots of fourth of July camping trips and all the fireworks and Arnold's Fried Chicken.

We are out of the Country right now and will not be able to attend the funeral, but Tully and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers!  We'll miss Tully very much.

Love Craig & Linda Brawner

To family and friends of Dave,

The Parrot and the Duensing family are one of my rock hard memories of Helena. Growing up there and enjoying growing up with Dusty and Stan.

I moved away from Helena in 1979 but visited often and on every visit I would come to say Hello to Dusty and Stan always walking in the back door in the kitchen and being welcome.

I will always remember Dave fondly and will be reminded often of him by our freinds in Helena.

God Bless.

Extending my deepset sympathy over the loss of Dave.  I enjoyed many laughs with you and your family at Last Chance Casino.  May there be comfort in knowing he is in "good hands" and sharing the family candy secrets.

Flossie Shaw(Helena, Mt)

Dave was a wonderful man and was always happy!  He made the time I worked at Wells Fargo very pleasant, as he always had a smile and a kind word!  My thoughts and prayers are with your family, and he will be truly missed.

To Pam and Dusty
I don't make it to Helena much anymore and now I will miss walking into the Parrot and hearing, "Moody".  He was just a great guy.  Dan Moody

Dear Wendy, Tully, Pam, Dugan and Kaye: My sons, Paul and Christian, and I were deeply saddened to hear of Dusty's passing. Because of my late husband, Larry's, friendship with your family we always visited the Parrot when we came home to Montana those many summers. Dusty, Wendy, Pam, Tully and of course Nancy were there to greet us and make us feel special. Dusty's smile will be missed greatly.God bless you all! Virginia Hatzenbeler (Troy, MI)

 I was very sad to hear about Dave's death.  I seems like part of my life has also past.  I remember playing penny anti poker with Dave, Dusty and occasionally Arnold at their home while a teenager.  I remember talking with Dave during our annual summer visits to the Parrot.  Wendy, Dusty, and Pam; Barbara and I think of you often and wish you well in your time of grief.

Dear Wendy, Dusty and Pam,
Our hearts go out  to you. Dave was a wonderful person we will miss so much.
He made our visits back to Helena a pleasure. His welcoming smile was one-of-a-kind. Stay strong during this time of deep sadness.
Your friends
Harry and Mary Barnett(Atlanta,GA)

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dave.  He was a great man and will be greatly missed.  Wendy, Dusty and Pam our hearts are breaking for you!!  You are all in our thoughts and prayers!

Dear Duensings, some people make the world a much better place.  Dave was certainly "some people", and we consider it a priviledge to call him and all of you friends.  You have our deepest sympathy during this difficult time, and we hold you in our hearts and prayers.  God Bless you all.

Nancy & Shawn Briggs, Helena, MT

He will be greatly missed.  He was an inspiration, a friend, and a huge part of our lives.

Goodby my friend.  I'll miss our talks over a bowl of chili.  Helena never had a better or more dedicated servant. You will be missed but not forgotten.

"Dear Wendy, Dusty, and Pam,  I was in The Parrot on Wed with my daughter, because it was my birthday, and we came in for a treat.How shocked I was to be sitting across from the counter and reading a sign that read in memory of...I am so sorry for your loss. Geeze when I worked their Dave "Tully" was 11. He will truely be missed. Jeannie and Wayne Smith, Chellie Longmire and Kimberlee Lovshin

Dear Wendy, Dusty and Pam,  We are just so sad for your loss.  We have loved having our businesses right next to you and enjoying Dave's wonderful sense of humor and zest for life.  He had a sparkle and cleverness that few achieve.  We admire your brotherhood and the closeness of your whole family and know that his passing is so hard for all you.  Please know you are in our prayers and thoughts.  With much love, Kathryn & Kelly, Dancing Lotus Center.

We want to extend out sincerest sympathy to the family. Dave was a great guy and good friend.  We will miss his friendly greeting and wonderful smile.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Wendy, Dusty, and Pam, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I worked at the Parrot in the summer of 2005, and I will always remember how Dave would play the Japanese song "Sukiyaki" on the jukebox at least once a day. He was such a kind man, and I pray that you will find comfort in knowing how much he was appreciated by everyone in Helena.

Dear Wendy, Dusty, Pam and extended family members.  My sincere sympathy for your loss.  Dave was a kind, sweet man and will truly be missed.

Wendy, Dusty, and Pam
I was very sad to read about Dave's passing. He will be missed by the whole city of Helena.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

OBITUARY

Mr. David C. Duensing

March 30, 1953 – March 3, 2010

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