Duane Brekke

Duane Harold Brekke was born on August 30, 1930 to Gerhard and Edina (Shellum) Brekke in St. James, MN. The oldest of 4 boys, he grew up on the family farm on Lake Hanska, was confirmed at Albion Lutheran Church where he was a lifelong member, and graduated from St. James High School. With the passing of his parents at an early age, he cared for his brothers and the farm. Duane married Janice Halverson on July 10, 1965, in Spring Grove, MN. She joined him on the farm where they raised 3 boys, and continued to farm until retirement. He participated in track and football where he earned the name "Bronko", which became his CB handle. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially for deer, geese, and auction deals. He worked hard but took time for water skiing, flying, and later in life golfing and going for rides. If something didn't work right, he'd say "blame it", and then fix it, as he could fix anything. In high school he was deemed a man of deeds-not of words, but now will be remembered for story-telling in his Scandinavian accent, and the Brekke laugh. He moved briefly to Pleasant View, where he was called to eternal rest on October 28th, 2017, at the age of 87. He is survived by his loving wife Janice; sons David Brekke, Neil (Shannon) Brekke, Alan (Sarah) Brekke; grandchildren Judson, Hannah, Stella, and Oliver; brother Loren (Joan) Brekke; sisters-in-law Kathy Brekke, Carol (Curt) Rustad; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father in-law Jon and Alice Halverson, brother and sister-in-law Arlan and Kathy Brekke, and brother Howard Brekke. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Albion Lutheran Church or the donor's choice. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wednesday, November 1, 2017 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Visitation 2 10:00 am - 11:00 am Thursday, November 2, 2017 Albion Lutheran Church, St. James 10454 250th Ave. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 11:00 am Thursday, November 2, 2017 Albion Lutheran Church, St. James 10454 250th Ave. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Albion Lutheran Cemetery-St. James 10454 250th Ave. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081