Duane Edward Milbrandt

Duane Edward Milbrandt was born on October 12, 1939 in Breckenridge, Minnesota. His parents were the late Edward and Viola (Lick) Milbrandt. He was baptized in Great Bend, North Dakota and confirmed at the Congregational Church in Perham, Minnesota. Duane attended Country School at District #271 in Butler Township, before attending New York Mills High School. During the 10th grade he moved to Hunter, North Dakota to work for a farmer doing field work.

On March 5, 1961 Duane was united in marriage to Linda Mardelle Coyle at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Perham, Minnesota.  Their marriage was blessed with three children: Greg, Cindy and Grant. They resided in New York Mills where Duane was employed at Hi-Way Auto, and then Bob Thompson Motor Company. Duane was a farmer at heart and enjoyed working for various farmers in Ottertail County.  He was later employed by Mid-State Auto Auction for about 20 years. 

During his retirement he enjoyed visiting with people while driving them to their various appointments. Duane enjoyed fishing (especially with the grandchildren), snowmobiling, taking his grand-puppy, Sammy for walks, watching football, baseball, basketball, bowling, old cartoons on Boomerang and multiple  gameshows. Duane always enjoyed Polka music and was tapping his toes or hands while watching the Molly B's Polka Show on RFD TV. Having coffee at the Senior Center or Gibbs #10 Sales with his friends was something he really looked forward to.

 Duane’s faith and  family were the glimmer in his eye.  He loved his wife, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly.  He thoroughly enjoyed attending the grandchildren's many activities including school concerts, sporting events, dirt bike races and hockey games. Duane was a member of Zion Free Lutheran Church in Wadena and served on the Church Council for many years.

On April 25, 2021 Duane passed away peacefully at 81 years of age at Sanford Hospital with his family by his side.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.  Preceding Duane in death were his parents, Edward and Viola Milbrandt; and sister, Barbara Windel.

Duane is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Linda Milbrandt of New York Mills; children: Greg (Linda) Milbrandt of New Prague; Cindy (Mike) Wischnack of New York Mills; and Grant (Renee) Milbrandt of Holdingford; grandchildren: Sam (Katie) of Lonsdale; Luke of New Prague; Kelcie (Brandon) of Avon; Taylor (Nicole) of Duluth; and Evan (Megan) of Sauk Rapids; great-grandchildren: Grayson, Bennett, Aubree, and a fourth in September; siblings: Betty (John) Sundby of East Gull Lake; Gary (Peggy) Milbrandt of Eveleth; brother-in-law, Jerry Windel of New York Mills; many other relatives and a host of friends.

Duane's witty sense of humor will be missed dearly.

Duane's family gratefully acknowledges your attendance and many kind expressions of sympathy during this time of loss.

  Lunch will be provided following the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery, New York Mills, Minnesota after lunch.

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