Duane Johnson was born on October 5, 1935, to Carl and Edith (nee Peterson) Johnson. He went home to be with the Lord on July 18, 2026. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 69 years, Helen (nee Schmidt) and an infant son Daniel. He will be missed by his three children, David (Barb), Lisa (Ron) Nyquist, and Kari (Eric) Grittner, eleven grandchildren and twenty- seven great grandchildren.

Duane grew up on Minnehaha Avenue in St. Paul Minnesota. He was affectionately known as“Swede.” He was attending Wilson High School when he met his sweetheart, Helen. They were married in 1954. After college Duane went to work for Montgomery Ward. Within a short time, he was transferred to Detroit, Michigan for two years. Then he moved the family back to Minnesota and lived in Roseville where the kids grew up. Duane spent the bulk of his career as an administrator in state government, where he became deputy commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Health. When the kids left home, Duane and Helen moved to Burnsville. Duane enjoyed working with his hands in his free time. He made all sorts of wooden furniture like a stereo cabinet, a curio cabinet, doll cradles, booster chairs, etc. Duane and Helen loved to be with people, especially with their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed entertaining family and friends, playing cards, camping with the family (he was the campfire expert), travelling, cruises, attending the plays, concerts, and sporting events of their grandchildren, and spending a month each year in Florida. Duane spent lots of time backpacking on Isle Royale, more than fifteen trips in all. For many years he was involved with the Lions in Roseville and served on the board of Vision Loss Resources in the Twin Cities. When Helen was diagnosed with cancer, Duane was her full-time caregiver for six years. After Helen died in 2023, he lived on his own with his cat, Oliver. He enjoyed daily visits with Kari and occasional visits with David and Lisa. His sense of humor and quick wit stayed with him to the end.