Duane Brunkow

Duane Brunkow, age 76, of Buffalo, MN, passed away after a long battle with heart disease on December 16, 2024, at a private hospice facility in Buffalo, MN.

Duane was born on December 28, 1947, to Grover and Bernadine (Doll) Brunkow in Wheaton, MN.  The beginning part of his youth was spent in Dumont, MN, where he loved to fish and hunt with friends.  The latter part of his youth was spent in St. Paul, MN, where he learned how to fix just about anything mechanical.

Duane proudly served his country for four years during the Vietnam War as a Security Policeman.  He trained guard dogs and their handlers in Turkey and Vietnam.  He was honorably discharged in February of 1971.

Upon his discharge Duane met, fell in love, and married the love of his life, Mary Lou (Powers).  The two were married on July 1, 1972, at the United Methodist Church in Beardsley, MN.  Two daughters were born from this union:  Barbra (1975) and Jane (1978).

Throughout the years, Duane remained an avid hunter and fisherman.  He loved hunting and fishing with his good buddies Joe Scholl and Jerry Hanson.  He was always up for a good campfire and game of cards too.

His greatest joy though was seeing the smiles on the faces of his daughters and especially his two grandkids.  He did whatever he possibly could do to make their lives easier so that they could smile more.

Left to celebrate his memory are his daughters: Barbra (Vince) Clements of Charlotte, NC, and Jane (John) Gessinger of Delano, MN; Grandchildren: Kayleigh Clements of Charlotte, NC, and JD Gessinger of Delano, MN; Siblings: Karen Bruce of St. Paul, MN, Debbie Burdine of St. Paul, and Renee (Tony) Hugo of Marinette, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his Parents: Grover (Bud) Brunkow, Bernadine (Bernie) Bruce, John (Jim) Bruce; Siblings: Darlene Spychalla and Donna Olson; and his beautiful wife, Mary Lou Brunkow.

We would be honored to have you join us to celebrate his life.

·         Service: Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 1 PM at Beardsley United Methodist Church, Beardsley, Minnesota.

·         Sharing Memories: If you feel inclined, there will be an opportunity to share your cherished memories of Duane during the service.

·         Burial: Following the church service, we invite you to accompany us to Beardsley Community Cemetery for the burial.

·         Fellowship & Meal: After the burial, please return to the church for fellowship and a meal, or feel free to stay at the church during the burial if that is your preference.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Duane's memory to:

·         VFW:  The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

·         National Forest:  Planting Memorial Trees in National Forests - The Trees Remember