Duane Eugene Houk

Duane Eugene Houk passed away on March 21, 2024 at the age of 85.  Duane was born in Wyoming, MN on June 13, 1938 to Orval and Jessie Houk.   He grew up in Wyoming with his four sisters Manola (Kunshier), Bessie (Goranson), Zana (Juberigan) and Pee Wee (Stachel).  

Duane leaves behind his beloved daughter Brenda and her husband Pete (Rainer), grandsons Chris and Joey, great grandson Bentley, sister Pee Wee, many loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and a caring extended family through Jean.

He was preceded in death by wife Bonnie in 1992, wife Sharon in 2014, partner Jean Mulvihill in 2019, his infant son Jimmy John, parents Orval and Jessie, and three sisters Manola, Bessie and Zana.

As a young boy Duane loved neighborhood baseball and he played on the high school football team. Duane graduated from Chisago City High School and joined the US Army in 1956 where he served for four years at Fort Bliss, TX.  

Duane married Bonnie Steiner on November 4, 1961 and they made their home in Hugo, MN with daughter Brenda. Among many family traditions, he especially enjoyed celebrating Christmas Eve with his family.

Duane had a passion for family history and kept records, mementos and photos dating well back in time. He could recall many a story and details from prior generations. He had quite the collection of letters, pictures and memorabilia.

He worked for Graco for many years and retired in 2001. After retirement he bought a small cabin in the woods in northern MN and enjoyed the tranquility of the outdoors and nature.  It was a favorite spot where he and Sharon had many special memories with Brenda, Pete and the kids as well as other family and friends.

He and Jean were able to enjoy some wintertime travel to Florida, Arizona and Texas over the last few years and spent summers on the lake in Cannon Falls.

Duane will be remembered as a soft-spoken, kind and gentle man.  He cared deeply for his family and was always by their side when they needed him.   

The family invites you to join them as they celebrate Duane’s life on Saturday April 13, 2024 from 11:00am to 3:00PM at: Peder Pederson Pavilion, 5524 Upper 146^th St. N, Hugo, MN 55038.  Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Wednesday, April 10^th at 1:00PM for anyone that would like to join us.