Duane Cornelius Deutz was born on July 28, 1937, on the family farm north of Marshall to Hubert and Cora (Kerkvliet) Deutz. He grew up and attended school in Marshall and graduated from Central Catholic High School. Duane then graduated from St. John's University where he was an All American football player. On August 22, 1959, he was united in marriage to Sharon Sullivan. He worked for Deutz and Crow Sand and Gravel. In 1961, he was invited to try-out for the newly formed Minnesota Vikings. Duane began his career with The Equitable Life Assurance Society of New York and worked for them as an agent and district manager for nearly 40 years before retiring at 62. For the last 14 years, he has tended to the grounds at Savannah Oaks Golf Course. Duane was an avid golfer and walker. He enjoyed walking at Camden and later at Savannah Oaks. He and Sharon wintered in Arizona for many years. Duane also enjoyed traveling in his early years to his brother’s resort at Lac des Mille Lacs in Thunder Bay, Ontario. In later years, he looked forward to annual pheasant hunting with his brothers in North Dakota as well.
Duane died on Thursday, January 4, 2018, after a brief hospitalization at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center following years of congestive heart failure.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon, of Lynd, children Eve (and Ward) Wyffels of Marshall, Douglas Deutz of Marshall, Julie (and Rob) Jacob of Medina, Karen of St. Louis Park, grandchildren Casie (and Michael,) Sarah (and David,) Ian (and Sara,) Jordan, Sydney, and Cole, great-grandchidren Ava, Marin, Holden, Tate, Marlow and Reagan, siblings Antoinette Anderson, Delores Pidcock, Marian Mulvahill, Ron (and Mary) Deutz, Judy (and Alan) Olsen, Gretchen Kellogg, Janet (and Bob) Carlson, Loren (and Lynn) Deutz, David (and Chris) Deutz, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to, The Capital Campaign for Holy Redeemer Education Center or Prairie Home Hospice.
Go Vikes!!
