Duane Everett Davis

Child of God, Devoted Husband, Loving Father, Teacher, Counselor, Friend.

Duane Davis, 85, of Cambridge, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family the morning of October 10, 2023.

On September 13, 1938, in the small town of Beach, North Dakota, Carl and Ioune (Nelson) Davis welcomed Duane, the first of three wonderful sons, into the world. The years that shaped his youth were spent working alongside his dad at the service station their family owned and operated. When Duane wasn’t at the station, you could find him on the football field, basketball court through much of his high school career, or playing his trumpet both in the band and with a friend for any veteran funerals in the area.

Duane graduated from Beach High School, and following graduation moved to Moorhead, MN to further his education at Concordia College. Duane didn’t just attend class at Concordia, it was there he met the love of his life, Karen Lindbo, in September of 1958. Though if you ask her it was love at first sight years before that at Bible Camp in Medora, ND. They’ve always known they were meant to be and were engaged not long after they began dating. Duane proposed to Karen in November of 1959 at the Tree Top restaurant in Moorhead, MN. As excited as they were, a long engagement just would not do and the two were married on January 24, 1960.

Excited to begin their lives together, following Duane’s graduation from Concordia in the spring of 1960, the couple moved to Circle Pines where he began his first teaching job. After a year of settling into their new city, home, and career, Duane and Karen were elated to begin expanding their family and welcomed one of their greatest blessings, Pamela Joy, into the world in the spring of 1962. Lori Beth followed not long after in the fall of 1964 and their family was complete.

Duane taught for a number of years but was just as dedicated a student as he was a teacher. Over the course of his career, he went back to school to obtain his Masters Degree in counseling and earn his license to counsel in grades k-12 in the public system. While teaching, learning, and parenting, he also managed to find time to co-author a social emotional curriculum to be used by teachers in schools. Finding himself not quite busy enough, he was also a part of the team at AGS who helped edit programs like the one he co-authored. Duane retired from the public schools in the 1990’s with his last position being the counselor at John Glenn Middle School. He truly did leave a legacy.

When Duane wasn’t busy at home or at school, he could likely be found wood working, golfing, or helping at the church, depending on which decade of life you happened upon him. Duane was a true craftsman and very much enjoyed working in his woodshop on things both practical and beautiful. Lucky was he to spend so many wonderful mornings or afternoons playing golf with dear friends and loved ones both near and far.

Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Circle Pines is the congregation Duane and Karen called home for 60 years, landing there shortly after Pam was born and attending faithfully until they moved to Cambridge in 2021. Duane served in many capacities over the years, including years spent as the Sunday School Superintendent and President of the congregation.

About the only thing Duane loved more than teaching, golfing, or being involved in his faith community was having the title of “Papa” and “Great Papa.” Duane was blessed with 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren to whom he was a strong, patient, and adoring presence. Growing up with Duane as your grandfather meant you always had a soft place to land, guidance through the most difficult of times, and the knowledge that you were loved beyond measure just as you are. It could be said that you were awarded the same things if you were fortunate enough to call him friend.

Duane will be greatly missed and always remembered by Karen, his wife of 63 years; his daughters, Pam Davis (Circle Pines, MN) and Lori (Shane) Krick (Horace, ND); his brothers, Doug (Laura) Davis (Green Valley, AZ) and Don (Avis) Davis (Longmont, CO); his niece and nephew, Stacy and Ross; his grandchildren, Amy (Brian) Knutson (East Bethel, MN), Stephanie (Bandith) Erickson (Circle Pines, MN), Benjamin (Jessi) Erickson (Taylors Falls, MN), Jessica (Eric) Nelson (Fargo, ND), Christopher Krick (Ashville, NC), Tyrell Krick (Horace, ND); as well as 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of Life 2:00 PM Thursday, October 19 at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 9185 Lexington Ave., Circle Pines. Visitation at the church from 1:00 – 2:00 PM Thursday.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.