Duane A. Clarke
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On February 26, 2020 @ 3:41 pm In 2020,Obituaries | 14 Comments
Duane A. Clarke, lifelong resident of Prior Lake, passed away on February 25, 2020 while surrounded by his family. A visitation will be held Monday, March 2, 2020 from 4-7PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 4565 Pleasant St. SE, Prior Lake. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 11AM with a visitation 1-hour prior at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 16311 Duluth Ave SE, Prior Lake with Father Tom Walker presiding. Military honors will be provided by the Prior Lake VFW Honor Guard Post #6208. Following the service, friends are invited to join at the Prior Lake VFW for a reception. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Duane’s memory.
Pallbearers will be Duane’s golfing buddies—Steve Schmidt, Ron Seuer, Doug Berg, Wes McFarlane, Ray Devitt, Dave Anderson, and Harry Johnson.
On February 24, 1949 in Spring Lake Township, Duane Allen Clarke was born to parents Elmer and Margaret (Clemens) Clarke. He was the youngest of four children to be raised in Prior Lake. From a young age, Duane earned his title of class clown. Wherever he went, Duane found a bit of mischief and brought laughter to his friends.
Following his graduation from Prior Lake High School in 1967, Duane joined the United States Army. After serving in the Vietnam War, he returned to Prior Lake where he was introduced to a young woman, Diane Beattie. On September 9, 1972 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Duane and Diane exchanged wedding vows. They were blessed with 48 years together and two loving daughters.
A hardworking man, Duane spent nearly 30 years with Knox Lumber. Ready to venture off on his own, he later started his own building and remodeling company—OTD (Older Than Dirt) Construction. A true craftsman, Duane was proud to see his handy work throughout the Prior Lake area.
Duane was also a member of the Prior Lake VFW and the Minnesota Deer Hunting Association (MDHA). He often helped with hosting high school reunions and coordinating get togethers with his former servicemen. It didn’t matter where he was or what he was doing, Duane’s jovial personality could light up a room.
Above all else, Duane was a dedicated family man. Along with Diane and his girls, they would travel up north to enjoy the great outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a passion Duane shared with his family. At home, the family spent weekends on Prior Lake with Duane’s parents or visited Diane’s family farm in Owatonna. Duane’s love of family extended to others as well. He was a father figure to many, always taking the time to listen and offer a helping hand. Duane could truly connect with anyone and make them feel special.
Duane was a loving, dependable man who will be greatly missed by his wife, Diane; daughters, Chris (Chad) Schmieg and Melissa (Dave) Kiesler; grandchildren, Maggie (Christian Forar) Swanson, Mason Schmieg, Maranda Schmieg, Kayla Kiesler, Kate Kiesler, and Ava Nicholson; sister, Betty Franek; sisters-in-law, Oliva Clarke and Dody Clarke; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Duane is greeted in Heaven by his parents; brothers, Ronald Clarke and Charles Clarke; brother-in-law, Richard Franek.
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Duane will always be remembered for his infectious laugh. His approach to life and it’s challenges are a lesson to us all. He dealt with things with ease and humor, and didn’t take anything too seriously. He was a great person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. Mondays won’t be the same without him. Our condolences to Diane, Christine, Melissa, and to the entire family.
So very sorry for your loss. One of the kindest men I had the privilege to know. And always a twinkle in his eye.
Hugs to all.
I am so, so sorry to hear of the passing of Duane. I was lucky enough to do daycare for Missy & Chrissy back in the day and loved the entire family. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Take care and know how loved Duane was!
Diane and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Duane ‘s passing. He was a caring person and very easy to like. We’re grateful to have known him and wish you comfort during this difficult time.
Duane Clarke was a friend from High School. He always made time to visit with me on my return trips to MN. He was kind, generous, and always a had a smile. He will be missed
So sorry for your loss. He was a special friend. Sending prayers for your family
So sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers!
My condolences to you all Duane was just at deer camp with is in November and help me drag a deer. He was a good guy sorry for your loss
I’m so sorry to hear that one of my beloved classmates at Prior Lake High has passed. My best wishes to all his family and friends. It hurts my heart! XO Duane!
Diane and family,
We were sad to hear about Duane’s passing. Kurt enjoyed working with Duane at Knox. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I was lucky to have been able to hang around
with Duane when we were growing up in Prior Lake. Even though I did not see him often as adults, when I did see him, he always took time to visit with me. One of those visits was just a few weeks ago and we had some good laughs. It is hard to believe he is gone. He was a genuine and funny guy. He passing created a void that no one can fill.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Diane,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. May his memory stay alive in your heart forever. My condolences to you and your family.
Diane, Christine, Melissa and Families .
I was so surprised to hear of Duane’s Passing when
Chris called me. I had a wedding out of State that weekend otherwise I would have been there. I laugh so hard thinking about all the Good Times at your house from sliding down the front yard to playing pictionary in the basement and listening to Duane’s contagious laugh made so many great get togethers. He was always trying to get me in trouble at Knox .I had called in sick on a Sunday to work cuz I had tickets to the Vikings and than on Monday in front of Jeff the Store Manager he said Hey,saw you at the game yesterday I was so shocked I said No,I was home sick,later he told me he saw me through binoculars but you thought you should tell the manager. Have such happy and good memories of Duane ,Diane,Christine and Melissa. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Michele Reisinger
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So so very sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family.