Duane Earl Sulerud

Duane Earl Sulerud, son of Earl & Helen Sulerud, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, at the age of 83. Duane lived a life marked by service to his country, dedication to his family, and a passion for watching sports, reading books and finishing crossword puzzles.

Duane was born in Northwood, ND on September 19, 1941. He grew up in Lisbon, ND graduating high school in 1957. He enlisted in the Coast Guard in November of 1960. During shore leave in Fargo he met Flora Shultz. They were married in Elliott, ND in July of 1965 and celebrated 53 years together. They moved multiple times during his 21-year career in the Coast Guard, living together and raising their family in Florida, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, & Louisianna. While in the Coast Guard he reached the rank of Lieutenant and was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

After retiring from the Coast Guard Duane, Flora and the kids moved to Lake Park MN. Duane & Flora later moved to Hardy AR & then Horseshoe Bend AR. After Flora’s death in November of 2018, Duane moved to the ND Veterans Home in Lisbon, ND.

Duane was preceded in death by his wife Flora, his parents, his sister Sandra, and 4 grandchildren. He is survived by his son Michael (Audrey) of Emporium, PA, his daughter Kelly (Todd) Troyer of Fargo, ND, his daughter Kirsten (Glenn) Gephart of Battle Ground, WA; 6 grandchildren – Matthew (Shalene), Alexandra (James), Michael Jr. (Megan), Rachel, Taryn & Zachary and 3 great grandchildren – Grahm, Miles & Matthew.

According to his wishes, he will be buried at sea in a private ceremony off the Oregon coast in the spring of 2026. Memorials and condolences may be sent to the family at Kelly Troyer 3530 Woodbury Pk Dr S, Fargo ND 58103.