In memory of Duane Miedtke

Duane Miedtke

Duane Passed away, Saturday June 28, 2025, at the age of 93, with his wife and daughter at his side, in Rochester Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudy and Martha Miedtke of Fairmont, Minnesota and brother Darrell and his wife Karen. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 66 years, son Scott and wife Linda, daughter Pamela, and grandchildren Kaitlyn and Matthew, Nicholas, Nathan and Lauren. And great grandchildren Lincoln, London, Layla and Isaac.

He was born in 1931 and grew up in Fairmont Minnesota and graduated from Fairmont High school in 1949. Duane worked, at times, as a professional photographer and carpenter, also with Oregon highway department, U.S. Corp of Engineers, Twin Cities testing... He went to the University of Minnesota, graduating with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree in 1960 and graduate studies.

He enlisted in the Navy; a veteran of the Korean War, he served as navel Photographer (PH2) stationed at Whidbey Island, WA.

He married Shirley in 1959, meeting her through a church event.

The Lutheran Church has always been center in his life, and he always wore a cross on his lapel.
He served in various capacities including congregational and board chairman and on several committees, with current membership at Zumbro Lutheran Church.

Duane and Shirley moved to Honolulu, HI, in 1960, where he started his engineering career. Then, two years later, back to Minnesota, where he worked as structural engineer and project manager with consulting engineering / architectural firms. Then, to Rochester Minnesota serving as Project Manager of facilities construction, until his retirement from the Mayo Foundation in 1998.

Duane was Mayor of St. Anthony Village from 1970 -1978, plus was active in Minnesota League of Municipalities, American Society of Civil Engineers, Consulting Engineers Council of Minnesota, and many other professional and community advisory boards and committees.

Duane was a very thoughtful giving, person. He believed everyone had a right to speak and a right to their opinion. He was a handyman and craftsman excelling at making deer out of tree branches, and fire starters to give away. He recycled before most people even knew what that was. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, even when he could hardly walk. He donated blood into his 80s. Duane liked to fish, play bridge, polka, feed the wild turkeys and the deer. He liked a fire in the fireplace and making a perfect martini. He liked to travel and most sports. Go Gophers! Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings! He loved telling jokes and making people smile.

When ever we hear an uff da we shall think of him.

Thanks to the wonderful care, the past couple of years, in the Ponds at the Waters and at Samaritan Bethany.

You can watch the Memorial Service Here.