Duane Wessels

Duane Gene Wessels, age 90, of Albert Lea, Minnesota passed away Wednesday, September 10th, at Saint Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Born to Lee and Mae (Anderson) Wessels on October 28th, 1934 in Thompson, Iowa, Duane was a happy boy who grew into a kind man. Duane was brought up to love his brothers and sisters, honor his mother and father, and rejoice in his lord and savior.

Duane served his country as an Army Private, after which he married his love, Marilyn K. Rasche in Mason City, Iowa on December 10th, 1966. Their union brought them a full family of 6 children; Scott, Troy, Dawn, Todd, Holli, and Tara. Duane was a family man, loving his wife and children, and cherishing their time spent together. Duane worked for Progress Casting in Albert Lea for over 34 years, after which he started a lawn-care business to take up some of his time as a new retiree. While Duane was a hard worker, he also had a full spiritual and social life; being a member of Salem Lutheran Church, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club #2258, as well as the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1703.

Duane also enjoyed riding his bike with his siblings and friends, staying active and exercising, listening to music, and watching his programs on TV. He loved to catch Cowboy Church and Molly B Polka Party. Duane valued the ones he loved, going to Burger King to meet his brothers and friends regularly to keep up with each other’s lives. Duane will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his positivity, and the love he showed for his wife, his children, grandchildren and his great grandchildren.

Duane’s memory will be carried by his children: Scott (Jackie) Wessels of Venice FL, Troy Wessels of Albert Lea, MN, Dawn (Paul) Spaans of Carver, MN, Todd (Sherri) Wessels of Austin, MN, Holli (Troy) Waldemar of Albert Lea, MN, and Tara (Ron) Johnson of Albert Lea, MN; by his grandchildren: Sheena Tabor, Courtney (David) Theisen, Brittany (Bradly) Braaten, Sam Balzer, Kaley (Jacob) Moen, Paige Balzer, Zachary (Kami) Wessels, Kenzie (Tyler) Smith, Hannah (Alexis Campos) Johnson, Riley (Will Allen) Johnson, and Nicholas Johnson; his great-grandchildren: Mason Braaten, Bri Moen, Owen Theisen, Maverick Braaten, Nolan Moen, Carly Theisen, Olivia Balzer, Ari Moen, Archie Smith, Jack Tabor, Mack Tabor; sisters: Delores “Dorie” Hanna, and Cheryl (Paul) Beenken; brothers: Larry Wessels, and Roger (Beverly) Wessels; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Duane was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn; his parents, Lee and Mae Wessels; his sisters: Carman Monson, Betty Michaelson, Rose Wessels, and Donna Fayel; his brothers-in-law: Milford Michaelson, Roger Hanna, John Rol, and Gene Monson; sisters-in-law Linda Wessels and Sharon Rol; his mother-in-law Marge Williams; father-in-law Bill Rasche; and mother-in-law Aleta Rasche.

A wake will be held in Duane’s honor on Monday, September 15th from 5 to 7 PM at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation, 2210 East Main Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 16th beginning at 11 AM at Salem Lutheran Church, 115 N Washington Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007, with an hour visitation beginning at 10 AM, and burial following services at Hillcrest Cemetery, 17544 US-65, Albert Lea, MN 56007.

Duane’s family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Saint Mary’s Campus, especially the skilled staff at Mary Brigh 8B, for their beautiful care, excellence, and attention they provided to Duane and his family.