Duane Harvey Patten, 90

Published 9:39 am Thursday, April 7, 2016

Duane Harvey Patten, 90, of Austin, Minnesota, died Monday, April 4, 2016, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester – Saint Marys Campus.

Duane Harvey Patten, 90

He was born Dec. 28, 1925, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Harvey and Ruth Ann Ida (Paulson) Patten. The family moved to Austin when Duane was 10 years old. He attended Austin High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy when he was 18, where he served for four years in the Philippines during World War II as a motor machinist’s mate. After leaving the Navy, Duane worked for an accounting firm in Des Moines, Iowa, and then moved back to Austin, going to work for the Milwaukee Railroad until his retirement. On May 26, 1950, he married Donna Carlstrom in Austin. The couple made Austin their lifelong home, raising three daughters. Duane was active in the Eagles Club, the American Legion and the Cedar Valley Conservation Club. An avid photographer specializing in animals and pets, Duane enjoyed the outdoors. He especially enjoyed the time spent with his family. Summers were spent wherever there was a beautiful lake, fishing, camping, boating, and water skiing. In his younger years, Duane loved bowling and belonged to several leagues. One regret was that he never bowled a perfect 300 game, although he came close. Later in life, Duane enjoyed trapshooting with his team.

Survivors include his wife Donna Patten of Austin, Minnesota; his three daughters, Barbara (Gary) Morgenroth of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Judy (Michael) Harris of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Nancy (Lee) Williams of Laramie, Wyoming; his grandchildren, Christine Morgenroth of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Daniel Morgenroth of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jennifer (Stacy) Cook of Hudson, Wisconsin, Amber (Jeffrey) Hull of Glenrock, Wyoming, Andrew (Michelle) Harris of North Ogden, Utah, Clayton Niss, Erin Niss and Taylor Niss, all of Laramie, Wyoming; great-grandchildren, Ashley (Ricky) Rasmussen, Jessica Cook, Kassidi Hull, Josie Hull and Elizabeth Harris; great-great-grandchildren, Matthew Rasmussen, Alexis Rasmussen; and several nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents Harvey and Ruth Ann Ida Patten; and his sisters Gloria and Patricia.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2016, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Rev. Sharon Goetzinger officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. The family prefers memorials be directed to the Mower County Humane Society or recipient of donor’s choice. In accordance with his wishes, Duane’s body has been donated to the Mayo Clinic Anatomical Bequest Program. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.