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Duane Allen Eilertson, age 89, of Osceola, WI, formerly of Detroit Lakes, MN and Port Charlotte, FL, passed away surrounded by family on December 10, 2023.

Duane who was known by family and friends as Duey, was born in rural Audubon, Minnesota, as the second of three children to Lloyd and Cora (Haugen) Eilertson on October 10, 1934. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith, grew up on a farm and along with his siblings, attended a one room schoolhouse. He graduated as a salutatorian from Audubon High School in 1952. Duane was also a member of the National Guard. On November 27, 1957 he was united in marriage to Beverly Stephenson at North Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. 

Not long after they were married, Duane applied to be a Park Ranger with the State of Minnesota. He was accepted and started as a manager of Whitewater State Park before transferring and settling at Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls, Minnesota. Duane and Beverly worked at Interstate Park for over 30 years, while raising their four children. 

After retirement, Duane returned to his hometown of Detroit Lakes to be near his family and close friends. He became a realtor, traveled and purchased a home in Port Charlotte Fl where he spent his winters. Duane was able to make many memories and enjoy time with his family and special friend MaryAnn. 

After being diagnosed with dementia he returned to the family’s St. Croix Valley area to be near his children. Despite his diagnosis, Duane was able to make many memories and enjoy time with his family and familiar surrounds. 

Duane enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, playing guitar, chasing sunsets and auction sales. He loved to tell a good story and was a jokester. Duane was a kind and personable man and friend to all. He will be missed immensely by his family and friends. 

Duane and Beverly are survived by their children, Teresa Hansen of St. Croix Falls, WI, Sherri Eilertson of Woodbury, MN, Darrin Eilertson of Edina, MN and David (Teri) Eilertson of Hudson, WI; eight grandchildren, Alyssa (Lee) Isaacson, Trenton Hansen, Faith, Andy, Ethan, Brooke, Emma and Elle Eilertson; numerous nieces and nephews. 

Duane is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Cora Eilertson; wife, Beverly; siblings, Leo and Janice and grandson, Chase Hansen. 

Duane was cremated on December 16, 2023 and a celebration of life is being planned for the spring of 2024. He will be laid to rest at North Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Pelican Rapids, MN next to his wife Beverly. 

Arrangements are with   Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, Wisconsin. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh. com, cards may be mailed to PO Box 418, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, 54024. 

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