Duane Jans

In Loving Memory Of

Duane Jans

Duane Donald Jans was born on June 1, 1934, to William and Edna (Schuknecht) Jans. He was the fifth of six boys in the family. Duane was baptized and confirmed at Dundee Lutheran Church. He attended school at District 109 and graduated from Fulda High School in 1952. When he was in high school, he played football and later played softball with the Des Moines River Rats with other men from the area. Duane and Marilyn Yochem were married April 3, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. They farmed with his mother and brothers until they purchased their own farm just a mile away in 1960. They raised their five children on the farm. In November 2016, Duane and Marilyn moved to MapleView Estates in Fulda. They later moved to Sioux Falls in 2023 to be closer to family. He entered the long-term care facility at Prince of Peace on November 14, 2024 and Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD on December 6 where he passed away surrounded by family on December 9, 2024 at the age of 90. Duane enjoyed serving his community through many boards including for the First Lutheran Church, Belfast Township, Westbrook Elevator, Fulda School, and Maple Lawn Nursing Home and was a member of the Fulda Lions Club.  He was also a township assessor for many years. He especially enjoyed golfing and going for coffee at the local elevators to solve the world’s problems with the “old” farmers. After retirement, Duane made many pieces of furniture for their home and family.

Duane leaves behind his wife of nearly 70 years and five children, Bruce (Linda) Jans, Craig (Deb) Jans, Michele (Craig) Crissman, Marjorie (Mark) Broich, and David (Amy) Jans;  eight grandchildren Ben Jans, Jessica Bicknese, Sara Broich, Stacy Davidson, Tyler Crissman, Alison Molitor, Joe Jans, and Liza Jans; three step-grandchilden, Ryan Anderson, Candice King, and Crystal Sharon; ten great-grandchildren; six step great-grandchildren and two step-great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, John (Joyce) Jans and two sisters-in-law, Shirley Jans and Verna Jans and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, Brenda, brothers, Alvin (Arleen), Kenneth (Jordis), Harvey, and Stanley and two brothers-in-law, Francis and Gary Yochem.

Funeral Services

First Lutheran Church Dundee, MN at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 14, 2024 with Rev.  Lance Isaacson officiating.  The organist is Norma Dittman. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren. Interment at Westbrook City Cemetery Westbrook, MN.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be directed to Fulda Lions Club, Shetek Lutheran Ministries or Avera Dougherty Hospice House.

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