Duane William Petersen was born April 16, 1938 in Terril, Iowa, the son of F. John and Mamie (Bremer) Petersen. He graduated from Terril Community High School in 1957. Duane was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Terril.
Duane worked at Pro Cooperative in the fertilizer division in Terril, Iowa until his retirement in 2010. He was currently working as a handyman at Wel-Life Assisted Living in Spirit Lake at the time of his death.
Family was extremely important to Duane, exemplified by his commitment and care to his mother and brother. He enjoyed attending the special events of all family members, especially the sporting events of his grandchildren. Duane took great pride in his garage and enjoyed working with his hands. He loved to do wood work, household repairs and remodels and fix cars. He will always be remembered as a great friend and neighbor and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Duane is greatly missed by his family, friends, and neighbors.
Duane passed away April 17, 2013 as a result of a motor vehicle accident at the age of seventy-five years of age.
He is survived by his children, Mary (Ron) Bezdicek of Jackson, Minnesota, Judy (John) Swiech of Prospect Heights, Illinois and John Petersen of Portland, Oregon; sister, Marilyn Wells of Iowa City, Iowa; brother, Roger (Mina) Petersen of Newport, Kentucky; grandchildren, Tyler and Megan Bezdicek, Katherine, Joseph and Margaret Swiech; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; siblings, Norma, Fran and Ronnie; granddaughter, Nicole Petersen; and nephew, Larry Schmeling.