Duane Earl Moulton

Duane Earl Moulton was born, at the height of the Depression, to Myrton and Lillie (Gustafson) Moulton on August 22, 1930 in Rush City, Minnesota. The family’s poverty during those years and their drive to work hard would influence him the remainder of his life – and color his many stories. Duane loved school and did well in both sports and academics; his classmates nicknamed him “Newt” for his Newton-like performance. After graduation, Duane attended Macalester College and the University of Minnesota for one year each before returning home to pursue his passion – farming. Sharecropping did not provide sufficient income so Duane embarked on his second career, driving school bus. He found enjoyment in watching his students grow for the next 35 years. In 1951, Duane met a beautiful young teacher at his brother’s rollerdome; a woman who was an immigrant farmer’s daughter and understood the farming life. Milfred Underland and Duane Moulton were wed on August 9, 1952. Their love for one another blessed them with four children; Marlene, Brad, Mark, and Greg; eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Their hard work together brought them from sharecroppers, to renters, and eventually, owners of the family farm to which Duane first moved in 1939. Throughout their marriage, Duane and “Fredi” were active in church and, later, the Gideons, as well. They enjoyed the fellowship of others and frequently opened their home to them. Duane’s high school teammates remained lifelong friends. They would gather often for coffee where Duane would share his views from articles in the daily newspaper and they would laugh and joke. Much of Duane’s joy was lost when Fredi went home to be with the Lord after 63 years of marriage in December 2015. Duane rejoined her on May 9, 2017, on the farm his family established 78 years before. Duane started farming with horses and lived to see his first arrow straight corn rows planted with a GPS guided tractor. Duane had a true passion for farming, and was honored to see his family share his love of the land.Duane is survived by his children: Marlene (Jerry) Janssen of Rush City, Brad (Betty) Moulton of St. Joseph, Mark (Nancy) Moulton of Rush City, and Greg (Nancy) Moulton of New Prague; grandchildren David (Briana) Janssen of Rush City, Kevin Mies of Madison, Bradley Mies of St. Cloud, Andrew (Randi) Moulton, Luke (Whitney) Moulton, Ben Moulton all of Rush City, J.D. Moulton and Kate Moulton both of New Prague; great-grandchildren: Kaiden VanDanacker, Addison Janssen, Gabriella Janssen and Natalie Moulton; sister Darlene (Gaylord) Rous of Woodbury; sister-in-law Norma Moulton of Rush City; many nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his parents Myrton and Lillie Moulton; sister Joyce (Moulton Cunningham) Gold; brothers Warren Moulton and Clyde Moulton; and his wife Milfred “Fredi” Moulton.Reverend David Melin will officiate at funeral services for Duane; 11:00 AM Wednesday, (5/17) at the Rush City Baptist Church. A time of visitation and reviewal is planned for Tuesday (5/16) from 5-8 PM at the Olson Chapel and one hour prior to the funeral at the church. The interment will take place at First Lutheran Cemetery in Rush City.Memorials may be directed to: Gideons International or Rush City Baptist Church.Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City~Olson Chapel. www.FuneralAndCremationService.com