Duane Janssen

Duane Janssen, 77, of Barnesville, MN died unexpectedly on Friday, November 6th at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. Duane Floyd Janssen was born on August 16, 1938 to John and Lillian (Anderson) Janssen in Barnesville, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Barnesville. He graduated from Barnesville High School in 1956 and attended the University School of Agriculture in St. Paul, MN. He also served in the National Guard. Duane's passion for flying earned him his private pilot's license as a young man. He performed aerial crop spraying for many years. He was a member of the MN Flying Farmers organization and served as its past president. Duane married Kathleen Austin on October 23rd, 1959 in Baker, MN. The couple made their home and farmed in rural Barnesville. They had one son, Jerry. Kathleen was killed in an automobile accident in 1964. Duane married Dianne Gail Jenson at South Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Rothsay, MN on November 21, 1970. The couple made their home near Barnesville. They had three daughters. Duane farmed for his lifetime, working alongside his father, brother, and son on the family farm. He raised beef cattle and crops. Music was an interest he enjoyed throughout his life. He especially loved playing the accordion. He also enjoyed traveling, riding motorcycle, and dancing. Duane was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church of Barnesville, and the Flying Farmers organization. He served on the Clay County Soil and Water Conservation Board, Barnesville School Board, and Humboldt Township Board. He volunteered for many years at the Western MN Steam Thresher's Reunion in Rollag, MN. Duane is survived by one son, Jerry (Vicki) Janssen of Barnesville, and three daughters: Laurie (Steve Parsons) Janssen, Fargo, ND, Lisa (Alan) Christenson, Moorhead, MN, and Lynn (Blaine) Thorkildson, Barnesville; seven grandchildren: John and Andrew Janssen, Brenden, Owen, and Ian Thorkildson, and Benedict and Madelyn Christenson; one brother, Eugene Janssen, Barnesville; and in-laws Margaret (George) Mead, Nancy (Earl) Grout, William (Elaine) Austin, Genevieve (Rodney) Anderson, and Richard (Kathy) Jenson. He was preceded in death by wives Kathleen and Dianne, his parents, and sister-in-law Lois Asp Janssen. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 13th, 2015 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Barnesville, MN with Pastor Chris Leach officiating. Burial will be in the City Cemetery, Barnesville, MN. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Thursday, November 12th at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the funeral service Friday. Duane Janssen Funeral Bulletin