David Duane Zier

Duane was born February 4, 1938, in Bridger, MT to Henry and Anna (Simonis) Zier, Jr., the 5th of 6 children. While growing up, Duane learned to farm helping the family on several farms before his parents purchased a farm in Bridger. He attended various schools as the family moved, graduating from Belfry High School in 1956. He enjoyed participating in sports all through school. Duane enlisted in the Navy proudly serving four years. After boot camp he attended schools to become a guided missile technician and served on a new ship, the USS Coontz, a DLG-9.

After the Navy, Duane returned to Montana then moved to southern California where he worked for Pacific Bell as a telephone installer. He attended and graduated from Cal-Poly Pomona with a degree in accounting. Duane moved to Stockton, CA to take a job in accounting. He worked for several years at Franzia Winery. Through a friend at Franzia, Duane met his soulmate, Linda King. They married January 29, 1982. In August 1983, Duane and Linda purchased Bear Creek Glass which they owned and operated until the end of 2015. After retiring from the business, they moved to Escalon, CA and purchased the King family home where Linda was raised. He enjoyed the small-town atmosphere and met people while taking his daily walks. He was active in the Escalon United Methodist Church enjoying helping whenever he could. He was also a member of the Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club.

Through the years, Duane enjoyed many kinds of activities: Photography and developing pictures, Getting abalone off the rocks on the coast of Mexico with friends, Bowling, Softball, Basketball, Houseboating, Fishing, Camping, Traveling, Going places in their 5th wheel, Being with friends, and Being with family.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Anna Zier, Jr.; his sisters, Mary Zier of Missoula, MT and Betty (Zier) Stief of Cheyenne, WY; and his brothers, William (Bill) Zier of Malta, MT and Robert (Bob) Zier of Missoula, MT.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda, his youngest brother, John Zier of Billings, MT, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Duane was a kind, loving, caring person. His beautiful blue eyes sparkled with mischief. He had that little grin that quickly turned in to a full-blown smile. He loved a good laugh, especially when he caught you off guard with his quick wit and sense of humor. He would do anything to help you out. He was a good man and will be missed.