Duane “Duke” J. Schaefer, 88

Duane “Duke” John Schaefer, age 88, of Rose Creek, Minnesota, passed away Monday, March 11, 2024. Duane was born August 3, 1935, in Taopi, Minnesota, to Matthew and Mary (Heimer) Schaefer. He grew up and attended country school in the Rose Creek area. From 1957 until 1959, Duane proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was united in marriage to Janice Severson on September 27, 1962, in Rose Creek and together had seven children. The couple met while at a dance at the Terp Ballroom. Duane was employed with Hormel in Austin from 1967 until 1998 when he retired. He was a member of the Adams American Legion Post 146. Duane enjoyed gardening and sharing his produce with others, fishing, hunting, and playing cards at Bubbles in Adams, Minnesota. He found joy in spending Sundays with loved ones and vacationing at Lake of the Woods for over 50 years. In his younger years, he treasured carefree moments running through the creek. Duane loved his family, especially his grandchildren who were his pride and joy. Known for his friendly and outgoing nature, Duane had an exceptional ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he met. Duane will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Janice Schaefer of Rose Creek, Minnesota; children, Bonnie Schaefer of Rochester, Minnesota, Margaret (Jon) Srsen of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, Dean Schaefer of Waltham, Minnesota, Gail (Leonard) Kiefer of Rose Creek, Minnesota, Jeffrey (Nancy) Schaefer of Shell Rock, Iowa, and Elizabeth Schaefer of Austin, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Travis (Anna) Kiefer, Taylor Kiefer, Dylan Srsen, Nick Srsen, Lindsey Schaefer, Jayden Schaefer, Kaitlyn Schaefer, Hailey Schaefer, and Logan Schaefer; four great grandchildren, Pearl, Iris, Amelia, and Karsyn; sister-in-law, Cheryl (Rusty) Deets; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Mary Schaefer; son, Rodney Schaefer; siblings, Florence (Russ) Lee, Bernice (Al) Malaczewski, Don (Liz) Schaefer, Orin (Marge) Schaefer, David (Corrine) Schaefer, Adeline (John) Hanson, Richard (Carol) Schaefer, and Lucille (Harry) Hanson; and in-laws, Dorothy, Ruby, Muriel, Carol, Harlan, Delores, Ardy, Ronald, and Myron.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Rose Creek, Minnesota. The visitation will take place from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, at Mayer-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin and will continue for one hour prior to Mass at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota. Services are prearranged and performed by Mayer-Hoff Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mayerfh.com.