Duane Beers

Funeral services for Duane Beers of Hancock, MN formerly of Cyrus, MN will be Friday, July 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Donnelly, MN, with Reverend Michael Nelson officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 4:00 at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and for one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Burial will be in Vinger Cemetery near Donnelly. Military rites will be provided by the MN State Army Honor Guard, Morris American Legion, V.F.W. and AmVets.

Duane Louis Beers, son of John and Hazel (Thompson) Beers, was born June 17, 1932 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  When Duane was two years old, his father lost his life in an automobile accident, and the family moved to Donnelly, Minnesota where they lived with Hazel’s mother Mrs. Henry Kruize.  Duane grew up in rural Donnelly and attended District 39 Country School.  When he was 18 years old, he enlisted into the United States Army.  While serving in the Army, Duane received the Combat Infantry Badge.  Throughout his time in the Army, Duane traveled to many countries including: Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, France, Austria, Holland and several states in the United States.  He was honorably discharged in June of 1972 as a Sergeant First Class, and he returned to Donnelly, Minnesota.  In July of 1972, he began working at C.M.I. Concrete Company in Morris. He later became a security guard at the University of Minnesota Morris. On July 1, 1983, he was united in marriage to Elaine Kellen at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  She had two daughters, Deann and Theresa. Elaine died December 27, 1993.  Duane continued to work at the University of Minnesota until his retirement on July 3, 1995.  Following his retirement, he continued to drive school bus for the Morris School District until his retirement in May of 2005.  In 2004, Duane moved to Cyrus.  In June of 2017, He moved to Julia’s Place in Hancock, where he continued to live until the time of his death.

Duane was a proud Army Veteran and was a lifetime member of the Morris V.F.W., American Legion and AmVets. He was also a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Donnelly. He loved to work on old cars and tractors, hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, playing pool and cards.  Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and people in general.

Duane died on Monday, July 23, 2018 at Julia's Place in Hancock, Minnesota with his daughters and Julia by his side. He was 86 years old.

The family of Duane would like to extend a special Thank You to Julia’s Place, Julia and her family and staff of Hancock for their exceptional care and love given to Duane over the last year.

He is survived by two daughters: Theresa (Chad) Larson of Cyrus and Deann Kukla of Lakeville; four brothers: John (Lois) Anderson of Donnelly, George Anderson of Morris, Arthur Anderson of Donnelly and Howard (Betty) Anderson of Morris; two sisters: Geraldine Barber of Herman and Judith Anderson of Crystal; son-in-law: Mike Kukla of Allen, TX and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife: Elaine, his parents, and sister: Janice Kaehler.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.