Duane D Leitch

Duane D. Leitch, 93, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, died on Friday, May 10, 2024 at his residence, with family by his side.

Duane was born on December 31, 1930, at home in Sverdrup Township, to the late Stafford and Lillian (Kolstad) Leitch III. He was the youngest of the family and the only son, with older sisters Constance, Marlys and Joyce. He was baptized and confirmed at Rindal Lutheran Church in Underwood. Duane attended rural country school in Sverdrup Township before graduating from Underwood High School in 1948.

Upon graduation from high school, Duane enlisted with the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Japan.

Shortly after his honorable discharge, Duane met and married Rondina (Benson). To this union came two children, Michael and Patricia. Sadly, Ronnie passed away just four years later.

He later met and married Janice (Anderson), and had four more children, Terry, Kristine, Linda and Cindy. They lived and farmed on North Turtle Lake just north of Underwood. Duane also worked for the National Farmer’s Organization for six years.

In 1979, Duane undertook a career change, selling the farm and moving to Rochester, Minnesota, to start Leiders Employment Service. While his marriage to Janice did not survive, the business was a success for 25 years.

Upon retirement, Duane moved into Summerhill of Apple Valley, Minnesota. Here, at 78, he met and married his final love, Joyce (Maki). They happily celebrated 188 monthly anniversaries! Joyce, her children and their families remain a blessing our family will long treasure.

Duane is survived by his sons, Michael (Dawn) Leitch of Brainerd and Terry (Denise) Leitch of Fergus Falls, and daughters Patricia Leitch of Rosemount, Kristine Leitch of Enfield, Connecticut, Linda (Jim) Peters of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Cindy (Dave) Bramwell of Rio Verde, Arizona. Grandchildren: M’Erin Leitch, Maraigh (Brian) Mills, Michael (Taylor) Leitch, Chad (Kim) Leitch, Joshua Leitch, Shawn Leitch, Trisha (Michael) LaMorte, Conner Peters, Sydney Peters, and Jonathan Peters; great grandchildren, Stafford and Henry, James, Allison, Jackson, Belle and Aubrey, Kylee, Emmett and Eloise.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stafford and Lillian; sisters, Connie Bock, Marlys Beckman, Joyce (Borgos) Boldt; and grandson, Corey Leitch.

 In lieu of flowers, donations in Duane D. Leitch’s name should be made to:  Minneapolis VA Medical Center

https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/50797090/

Or: Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota

https://davmn.org/how-to-support-us/donate-money/

Celebration of Life:

Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 pm for Summerhill residents, 3:00-5:00 pm for local friends and relatives in the Great Room of Summerhill of Apple Valley, 14055 Granite Avenue, Apple Valley, MN 55124

Visitation and Graveside Service:

Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, 301 E. Washington Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Friends and relatives are asked to meet directly at 4:00 pm for burial with full military honors at the Rindal Cemetery, 25130 320th Avenue, Underwood, MN 56586