Obituary for Duane Kilde

Duane Joseph Kilde,78, of Bemidji died Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Fargo.

Memorial Services will be 10:00 am Monday, April 9, 2012 at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji with Rev. Lou Ellen Hartley officiating with military honors provided by the VFW # 1260 of Bemidji. A luncheon will be served at the Bemidji Eagles following the service.

Duane was born April 18, 1933 in Parker’s Prairie, Minnesota, the son of Joseph and Effie (Hultman) Kilde. He was raised and educated in the Fergus Falls area and moved to International Falls where he completed his education. He worked as a psychiatric aide at the Fergus Falls State Hospital for several years. He proudly served in the U.S Army from 1953 until 1955 and was stationed in Korea. He married Dee Maurine Darst on May 15, 1954 in Beatrice, Nebraska. They moved to Bemidji. His father-in-law founded the Bemidji Fleet Distributors where Duane managed the store for many years until 1989. He then managed the Bemidji Eagles club for a number of years. He was a fireman for the Bemidji Fire Department from 1967- 1988. He was a member of the VFW post # 1260, the American Legion post # 14 of Bemidji, Bemidji Aerie # 351, the Moose and the Elks lodges.He enjoyed fishing with his friends and family, hunting, camping and lately just having coffee and reminiscing about the past. His stories were always told with an entertaining blend of fiction and fact.

He is survived by 2 sons- Eldon “EJ” (Leann) Kilde of Cass Lake David (Juisa) Kilde of International Falls, MN 2 grandchildren- Nathan and Seth Kilde of Bemidji 7 great grandchildren A brother- Dennis (Lucy) Kilde of Fergus Falls 2 sisters- Sharon (Deland) Block of Savage, MN Lois (Dick) Haney of Bend, Oregon

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dee and a daughter Robin, a brother- Darold ”Bud” and a sister - Janet.