Duane "Wayne" Billiet

Duane "Wayne" A. Billiet, 86, Graceville, MN, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at Essentia Health Holy Trinity Hospital in Graceville.

Mass of Christian burial was Monday, May 11, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville with Father David Breu and Father Jack Nordick officiating. Music was provided by organist Donna Arens.

Burial was in the Graceville Consolidated Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the Jesse S. Poole American Legion Post 297 of Graceville. Honorary urn bearers were members of the Graceville Fire Department.

Visitation was Monday one hour prior to the service at the church. The Eggers Funeral Home in Rosholt, SD, was in charge of the arrangements.

Duane Anthony Billiet was born December 5, 1928, in Graceville, MN, to Carl and Jessie (Arnoldi) Billiet.

On December 21, 1945, Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the USS St. Paul. He was honorably discharged October 22, 1947, receiving the World War II Victory Medal.

On May 28, 1952, Wayne married Ardis "Tucky" Ellingson at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville. He owned and operated Wayne's Body Shop in Graceville and also the Graceville Ambulance Service. Tucky passed away November 7, 2010.

Wayne was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the Jesse S. Poole American Legion Post 297, and the Graceville Fire Department.

Wayne enjoyed playing cards, playing Golf with Liar's Dice and early morning socializing at Wayne's coffee shop. He also spent many hours on his wood carvings and making urns for people.

Survivors include three sons, Rick (Dawndra) Billiet of Fredrick, CO, Gary (Diane) Billiet of Grand Lake, CO, and Bruce Billiet of Lake Havasu City, AZ; three grandchildren, Aaron (Danielle) Billiet, Shannon (Matt) Grabau and Travis (Lexi Siler) Billiet; and five great-grandchildren, Brevin and Kade Billiet and Rylie, Hannah and Logan Grabau.

Duane was preceded in death by his wife, Ardis; parents, Carl and Jessie; and two brothers, Gordon and Leland.