H. Duane Thoreson

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Harold “Duane” Thoreson, age 92, passed away on July 5, 2024, in his apartment at White Pine Senior Living in Blaine, MN. Duane was born on February 22, 1932, in Valley City, North Dakota to Harold and Doris Thoreson, who were rural schoolteachers in several towns in North Dakota. After high school, Duane attended Wahpeton State School of Science, where he completed the HVAC program. In 1954, Duane met Mary Lou Beckerleg in Fargo, ND, and proposed on her birthday, two weeks later. They were married at St. Mary’s Cathedral in 1955, and had three children, Barb, Rick, and Jean. After living in Fargo for four decades, Duane and Mary Lou retired to their lake home near Detroit Lakes, MN. They were married for nearly 69 years. Duane enjoyed camping with his children and grandchildren, building birdhouses, sailing, and helping many family members with home projects.

“HD,” as he was often called by his colleagues, retired from F.C. Hayer Company where he was a District Manager, selling Whirlpool appliances to stores in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Mary Lou Thoreson, and infant granddaughter Sarah Brockevelt. Duane is survived by his wife, brothers, Don and Lowell (Audrey), children, Barb (Bob) Brockevelt, Rick (Sue) Thoreson and Jean (Todd) Adams; grandchildren, Joel (Kristene), Chris, Drew (Kyla), Kate, Ryan (Matthew), David, Mike, Kelly (Patrick), Meg and Emma; and great-grandchildren, Chase, Maddie, Kyndall, Emery, Leighton, Liam, Ronan, Ellie, Piper and Simon.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Mary of the Lakes, Detroit Lakes, MN at 11:00 am Saturday, July 27th with visitation starting at 10:00 am.

Memorials may be made to: Hospice of the Red River Valley.