Duane Joseph Peters

Duane Peters passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at the Burnett Health Care Center at the age of 85.

Duane Joseph Peters was born on December 15, 1938 to Stanley and Clara (Goldfuss) Peters in Breckenridge, Minnesota. He was the last of eight children to be born and the last of the eight to pass on.

Duane graduated high school from St. Francis Academy in Hankinson, North Dakota in 1957. He joined the Army Reserve in 1958 and received his training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was discharged on July 31, 1964.

After finishing his basic training in the fall of 1959, Duane entered the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota where he completed the Auto Body Repair program. After finishing school he worked at Smith Motors in Wahpeton while he also helped his parents on the farm.

On November 29, 1961 Duane married Gladeen Phelan (Kay - as we know her) in Fairmount, North Dakota. Their first child, Warren Robert, was born on July 31, 1962.

Duane, Kay and Warren moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in December of 1962 as Duane was newly employed by Midway Chevrolet in St. Paul; a career that continued for 34 years.

The family continued to grow with Mary Susan being born on September 19, 1963. She was followed by Lori Lin on May 13, 1966. 

In the summer of 1969, the family moved to rural North Branch. Duane continued to work in St. Paul and it was during this time that their fourth child, Stephanie Ann was born on September 13, 1970. 

The family moved to Harris in 1973 and the last child, Kristina Kay, was born on December 30, 1976.

Not to be held down for too long, the family made their final move in 1980 to Pine City where Duane finished out his years. He retired from Midway Chevrolet in 1997 and continued to do odd jobs as he wished. One of his favorites was delivering cars for dealer trades. 

Duane was a member of Pine City American Legion Post 51 where he served as Post Commander. They were very active members, participating in many Legion activities. Duane was a very patriotic man.

Duane most loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and Ozzy, his beloved dog. He liked fast cars, especially Warren’s hot rod, tractors and watching his grandson Travis pull. He also loved happy hour at Froggie’s and rarely missed a day.

Duane is survived by his children Warren (Donna) Peters of Rush City, Mary (Matt) Carlson and Lori Peters (Robert Neitzel) of Pine City, Kristi Peters (Gary Nielsen) of Sandstone; grandchildren Bethany (Frank), Zachary (Jamie), Cody (Ashley), Duran (Anna), Caleb, Travis (Holly), Tyler, Christian, Brody, Lainey, Charlie; great-grandchildren Frankie, Beau, Mason, Allison, Joseph, Alycianna, Keagan, Madilynn, Wynonna, Weylon, Everett, Axel, Abel, Alec, and two future; sister-in-law Cheryl; brother-in-law Bobby; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Clara Peters; wife Kay Peters; daughter Stephanie Peters; and seven siblings.

Funeral services for Duane: 11 AM; Wednesday (8/21) at the Swanson Funeral Chapel with one hour of visitation prior to the service. The interment will take place at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Pine City. 

Memorials in Duane's memory and in lieu of flowers may be directed to his family.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com