Duane Mavis

Duane Mavis, 90, of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, November 9, 2023 at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls.

Duane Orwin Mavis was born to Emil Bernard Mavis and Roseanna Marie (Schleske) Mavis on May 19,1933 at home in Friberg Township. He was baptized in St. Paul Lutheran Church east Friberg and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls in 1948. He attended grade school at District 159 in Friberg Township, later known as 1459. He graduated from West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, Minnesota in 1951. After graduation he took over the family farm, raising dairy, beef, and grain. In 1957 he married the love of his life, Mary Jane Beach, to this union they had three children Bradley, Robert and Janelle.

Duane was active in St. Paul Lutheran Church, sang in the choir, led adult bible study and church offices as secretary, trustee, cemetery sexton, and elder for many years. He was supervisor for the Friberg Township for nine years and clerk for 33 years, playing a key role in many of the township’s accomplishments during those years.

Duane and his wife, Mary Jane, travelled to numerous states and parks over the years, including Montana, Arizona, California, Texas, North Carolina, Washington DC, Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons, Black Hills, and Glacier National Park.

Preceding Duane in death were his wife, Mary Jane; his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Loretta and husband, Othal Stiyer, Doris and husband, George Foster, Evelyn and husband, Melvin Marweg, and brothers, Lloyd, Willis, Michael, Wesley (and wife Carol). Others preceding Duane in death include sister-in-law, Phyllis and her husband, Gaylord Strissel and brother-in-law, Robert and his wife, Darlene Beach.

Surviving are children, Bradley, Robert and Janelle and sisters-in-law, Olga (Lloyd’s wife), and Isabelle (Willis’s wife).

Celebration of life: 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 17, 2023 at Olson Funeral Home, 711 Pebble Lake Road, Fergus Falls, MN, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.
Clergy: Reverend Craig Palach
Interment: St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, 300th Street, Fergus Falls, MN.

Pallbearers will be Marlin Genz, George Luebke, Dale Kugler, Douglas Kugler, Greg Kugler, Marc Budke, Flint Peterson, Todd Budke, and Casondra Hauge. Honorary Pallbearers are all of Duane’s family and friends.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions in Duane’s memory can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com