Duane Simon

duane simon

Duane Allan Simon  was born on April 19, 1958 in Maddock, ND  and  died on August 6, 2014 at Manor Care in Fargo ND.  He was 56 years of age.  He was the son of Veronica and Kenneth Simon . 

Duane grew up on the family farm west of Minnewaukan.  Attended Minnewaukan High and graduated in 1976.    During his high school days Duane enjoyed playing basketball. He was baptized and confirmed at St. James Catholic Church, Minnewaukan ND.

After graduation, Duane worked for the Donnie Thompson family on their farm.  In 1986 moved to Fargo and started working for Red River Manufacturing. For the last 18 years has been working for McNeilius Steele as fork lift operator.

Duane was married to Lori Essler on March 1990 from this union were born two sons Jesse Allan, and Jordan Xaviar.

In November of 1989 Duane was diagnosed with Stage 4 osteo-sarcoma.  He fought strongly and bravely through many surgeries and treatments.  Told by his doctors at the Mayo Clinic he was a medical miracle to survive this disease for the last 24 years.  To the very end he still was determined to fight this never ending battle.

Duane enjoyed being outdoors, riding 4 wheelers with his children.  A typical Sunday morning in the summer when the boys were little was to attend the drag races in Sabin .  Sunday backyard BBQs. Always known as the “do It yourself man”, hard worker.  He enjoyed taking care of all his vehicles repairing them himself, keeping the yard in working order while listening to Loud Classic Rock. 

Duane leaves behind his children, Jesse  Fargo,  Jordan, Fargo, Brant Hanson, Bismarck.  Sisters Connie Michels, Edmore ND,  Margaret (John) Swenson, Fargo  ND,  Karen (Frank) LeBron, Colorado Springs CO. Brother Ken (Cindy) Simon, Fargo ND.  Nephews &Nieces:  Ryan Michels, MN, Kristi Michels, Fargo ND, Kyle Lebron CO, Kimberly Smith CO, Joshua Simon Fargo..  4 great newphews, 3 great nieces.

He was  preceded in death by his parents, grand parents, sister Mary, Brother –in-law Steven Michels.  Many aunts and uncles.

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  1. Fargo ND
    Duane you left us way too soon but you fought to the end to have another come back. We were wishing you would but it turned around and you had no more time left. Rest in peace and be free of cancer. We miss you and loved you.

  2. Carrington ND
    So sorry to see in the Forum about your husband, dad and brother…I remember Duane when I would go over and visit Karen and Margaret in high school….He is a peace now and in no pain…and with his dad and mom…
    Our deepest sympathy,
    David and Bonnie (Ystaas) Tweten

  3. Ft Collins COJust want say How sorry we are about your loss. It is very hard to loose a brother to cancer as we lost my brother at 50 and has been quite hard for all of us. Our prayers are with your family. He is in a better place and may god be waiting for him

  4. Colorado Springs COGod looked around His Garden, and he found and empty place. He then looked down upon this earth, and saw your tired face. He put His arm around you, and lifted you to rest: God’s garden must be beautiful. He only takes the best. He knew that you were suffering. He knew you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace e thine.” It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone: for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
    I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.
    Unknown

    Rest in peace

  5. Colorado Springs CORest in peace brother, you proved that no matter what obstacle we cross we can bear the pain. And you fought a fight beyond comprehension for most of us on the outside looking in at your short life. We will never forget you.

    The dew of passion is a tear!

    We love you and will miss you.

  6. Minnewaukan ndSorry to hear about Duane’s passing. He fought a long and hard battle with his cancer, but was brave through it all. Boys – be proud of your dad, life is never easy, he did it all for you. Lori – give those boys a big hug from us. We will be thinking of you all and you will be in our prayers.

    Kelli, Joe, Kyle and Katie Clifton

  7. Fargo ND
    I want to say Duane you were a great person to talk with. You always had a nice smile. We had many times of eating out and enjoying the night. We will miss you

  8. The past few days have been tough but we know after so many years of fighting Duane is now resting. I see so many characteristics of Duane in our sons but the strongest one I see is his strength to keep on fighting even though it seems endless. Rest peacefully Duane. We love you

  9. The boys and I have many memories of their Dad and looking through pictures and reminiscing with family, really makes those memories seem like yesterday. The boys have an amazing support system with his family. I see a lot of characteristics in his sons and my wish for them is that they have the strength and courage like Duane had to fight through anything that stands in their way in life. Rest peacefully sputsavolla!

  10. Edmore North Dakota
    For all things there is a season – Life brings both joy and sorrow, But with every loss and heartbreak God sends us a new tomorrow. For in the winter of our hearts, God’s promise also brings the comfort of our memories and the hope that comes a spring. Constance Parker Graham

    I admired you for the strength and courage you always showed on the outside, but I cried for the pain I knew you were feeling on the inside.

    My dear brother, Duane, You were an inspiration and a blessing to everyone who knows you.

    Love always, Connie

  11. Fargo ND
    Duane your last months haven’t been easy for you or me to see you suffer so much. You never complained how sick you were. You had more courage and strength. You are free of bad news and the cancer. Say hello to everyone in heaven.

  12. Bismarck ND
    Duane’s Family,
    I’m very sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I always enjoyed his quips the few times we chatted since High School. He had a way to put a smile on your face.

    Mary Jo


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