Duane R. Amundson, 87, of Ulen, MN, passed away Monday, January 2, 2023 at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND.
Duane Reinhart Amundson was born on October 25, 1935, at home on his family farm in rural Ulen, to Otto and Hazel (Winjum) Amundson. Duane graduated from Ulen High School in 1953 and entered the U.S. Army in 1955. After being honorably discharged in 1957, Duane began working at the grain elevator in Ulen where he worked for two years. In 1959, Duane met the love of his life, Beverly Akvick, and they were united in marriage on June 3, 1961, in Lake Park, MN. The couple made their home in Felton, MN, where Duane managed the grain elevator for 13 years. In 1973, the Amundson family moved to Ulen, where they made their home since. During this time, Duane, along with some partners, started a fertilizer plant in Syre, MN, where he helped with operations for 20 years until his retirement in 2000. Retirement didn’t last long for Duane as he decided to purchase a grave-digging company, which he operated for 14 years, proudly serving the surrounding communities.
Duane was very involved in his community, serving as Mayor and a city council member in Ulen and as a cabinet member for the Ulen Lion’s Club. Duane had a strong faith in God and served as a Sunday school teacher at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Felton and later as the council president at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Never to let his hands be idle, Duane filled his free time fishing, creating beautiful woodworking pieces, and helping his family with projects. Spending time with family was very important to Duane whether it was traveling to Arizona in the winters to spend time with Glenn, helping Jim on his farm, or simply making his famous French toast for the grandchildren at the lake cabin. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones.
Duane is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beverly Amundson; children, Jim (Ronda) Amundson, Glenn (Roxann) Amundson, John (DeeAnn) Amundson, and Karen (Jim) Syverson; 11 grandchildren, Travis, Tamara, Troy, Christopher, Jason, Kayla, Nick, Courtney, Christine, Colby, and Caleb; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Bob (Mary Ellen) Amundson; and sister, Linda Worth.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Verna Mae (Arley) Schultz; brother John Amundson; brother-in-law, Bob Worth; and niece, Shelly Burdick.
A Funeral Service will be held Friday, January 6, 2023, at 11:00 am, with a visitation 1 hour prior, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen, MN, Interment will be at Bethlehem North in Ulen.
