Duane Weidauer

Duane Weidauer, age 93, of Olivia, MN passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. Funeral services will be on Saturday, October 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church in Olivia with Rev. Krey Leesman officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Burial will be at Christ Lutheran Cemetery in Cottonwood, MN at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Arrangements are by Dirks-Blem Funeral Service of Olivia.

Duane August Weidauer was born on July 11, 1931 to August and Lillian (Andersen) Weidauer at home in Fairview Township. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He graduated in 1950 from Tracy High School. He grew up farming with his dad and continued after high school until he moved to Cottonwood, where he began working in building construction. Duane married Eleanor Anderson on September 19, 1953 and together they had five children: Barry, Elizabeth, Laurie Jo, Melinda, and Darin. They made their home in Cottonwood until Eleanor passed away on March 5, 1979. He was united in marriage to Marie Feldman Jensen on September 17, 1982 and they made their home in Olivia. To their union she brought two children, Connie and Joey, and together they had one son, Travis. Duane enjoyed gardening and always had an immaculate garden with very straight rows. He proudly sold his produce at the farmer’s market in Willmar, which he was able to do for 30 years with the help of his wife and grandchildren. Up until he passed away he still had a large garden, always growing more than he needed, with help from his son, Travis. This year they planted 4,000 onions and although this was the first year he had crooked rows, he still wanted to be able to help so he sat on his lawn mower during the planting process. His beloved dog, Sadie, accompanied him on many gator rides around town. He passed on his vast knowledge of fixing things and life skills to his children and grandchildren. His hard work ethic will always be remembered.

Duane is survived by his wife, Marie; his eight children: Barry (and Jane) Weidauer, Liz (and Lanny) Schottle, Laurie Jo (and Todd) Nelson, Mindy Kroger, Darin (and Ronilin) Weidauer, Connie (and Stacey) Jensen Olson, Joey (and Jackie) Jensen, and Travis (and Holly) Weidauer; his 23 grandchildren; and his 25 great-grandchildren. Duane was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Eleanor; brother, Dwight; and sister, Jeannine Sannerud.

Blessed Be His Memory