Duane Persson

Duane Carl Persson was born May 4, 1924 in Alexandria, MN, the son of Charles and Emma (Juola) Persson. He grew up on a farm near Lake Andrews in Alexandria and graduated from Alexandria High School. Duane entered the US Navy in October of 1944. He served on the Waco Victory Merchant ship transporting ammunition in the south Pacific at Okinawa and the Philipines. Duane served until June of 1946. . On August 27, 1955 Duane was united in marriage to Clarice Marie Fiala. The couple purchased a farm in Nelson, MN and farmed there until moving to Alexandria in the mid 1990?s. In addition to farming Duane worked at Alexandria Extrusion Company retiring in the early 1990?s Duane was active in clubs; he was a member of the Pioneer Tractor Club, Alexandria Garden Club, the Vintage Car Club and the Nelson Men?s Club. Duane also served his community as a supervisor in Belle River Township for eighteen years and was a past member of the Douglas County Fair Board, also for eighteen years. Duane was an active member of Fahlun Lutheran Church near Nelson. Duane also liked to spend time gardening, hunting and fishing. On August 16, 2008 Duane died at the age of eighty-four years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Clarice; his parents; and one brother, Lloyd Persson. Duane is survived by his daughter, Lynelle and husband, Bob Brickweg, of Alexandria; two sons, Kurt and wife, Lori Persson, of Avon, MN and Karl ?Pip? and wife, Linda Persson, of Monticello, MN; seven grandchildren, Jacob and wife, Jessica Persson, Chelsey Brickweg, Noah Persson, Bryce Brickweg, Wade Persson, Brett Persson and Karli Persson; and four sisters, Inez Turnquist of International Falls, MN, Amy Harrison, Alice Bollum and Eunice Pucket, all of Brainerd, MN. A funeral service was held Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at Fahlun Lutheran Church. Reverend Joan Wittrock officiated. Barb Sather and Kim Byrne provided music. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers included Jacob Persson, Noah Persson, Bryce Brickweg, Wade Persson, Ken Turnquist, Keith Norling and Morris Persson. Honorary casket bearers included Chelsey Brickweg, Brett Persson and Karli Persson. American Legion Post 87 and VFW Post 936 accorded military honors. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.