Duane was born on July 23, 1936, in Fairmont, Minn., to Stanley and Mary (Maday) Petrowiak. He was raised on the family farm in Silver Lake Township, where his lifelong passion for agriculture took root. After graduating from Fairmont High School in 1954, he joined his father in farming and continued working the land until the age of 80.

Duane attended a one‒room schoolhouse in District 114 before high school, where he lettered in track and choir and was a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA). During his six years of membership, he served as Treasurer, Vice President, and President of his chapter, earning numerous honors including the Star Chapter Farmer award, the Degree of State Farmer, the Farm and Home Show Agriculture Award, and the FFA Achievement Trophy.

In 1957, Duane traveled to the National FFA Convention in Kansas City to receive the American Farmer Degree–the highest honor in the organization and one achieved by less than one percent of members nationally. He was the first recipient from Martin County. At the convention, he had the honor of meeting President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Duane also served his country in the Minnesota National Guard.

On May 27, 1958, he married the love of his life, Sandra (Sandy) Athelene Scheid, at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Delavan, Minn. Together they shared 65 years of marriage until Sandy’s passing in March 2024. Their greatest blessings came with the births of their three children: Brian in 1959, DeeAnn in 1961, and Eileen in 1963. Duane was a devoted and deeply involved father who took great pride in every aspect of his children’s lives.

A man of profound faith, Duane was a lifelong member of Holy Family Catholic Church in East Chain, where he was baptized, received all the sacraments, and served the parish in nearly every capacity. Over the years he was an altar boy, choir member, lector, usher, CCD teacher, Eucharistic Minister, Trustee, Greeter, and Holy Name Officer. He also served on the Diocesan Pastoral Council, helped chair the Diocesan Harvest Mass, and was a dedicated member of the Fairmont Area 1575 Knights of Columbus for more than 50 years, achieving the rank of 4th Degree Knight and serving two years as Grand Knight.

Duane’s dedication to community extended far beyond his parish. He served as Treasurer of Silver Lake Township for 33 years, was a member of the East Chain School Board, worked as a Ditch Appraiser for Martin County, and served on the Martin County Planning Commission. He worked for the A.S.C.S. office for more than 20 years, both in the office and in the field, proudly supporting the farmers of Martin County. In addition, he served 22 years on the Soil and Water Conservation Board. In 2009, he was honored with the Outstanding Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Supervisor Award for “his sense of justice, high values, and ethics.”

Duane is survived by his three children, Brian (Susan) Petrowiak of Fairmont, Minn., DeeAnn (Michael) Phillips of West Chicago, Ill., and Eileen (Merle) Boesch of Fairmont, Minn.; eight grandchildren, Jessica Petrowiak, Sara (Jeff) Rothmeier, Megan Petrowiak (and special friend Josh Vigstol), Ashley Phillips, Shannon (Ben) Gray, Ryan (Christy) Phillips, Tyler (Payton) Boesch, and Nicole (Derek) Behrens; along with seven great‒grandchildren, Jaxyn, Aria, and Brynlee Rothmeier, Conor, Hannah, and Logan Gray, and Sawyer Behrens. Duane leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly. Duane was predeceased by his dear sister Lorraine Peek.

His legacy is one of faith, family, hard work, and service. Duane’s gentle spirit, integrity, and unwavering love for those around him will be remembered always. His hobbies included fishing, croquet, playing cards, winters in Florida and traveling with his family. He was an inspiring role model of kindness and generosity.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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