Duane A. Grafsgaard, 66 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.
There was a visitation and gathering of family and friends on Monday, June 17 at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, ND,and Funeral Services were on Tuesday, June 18 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake, with Reverend Lori Pankratz officiating. Burial were at the Bethlehem Cemetery, rural McHenry ND, on Tuesday, June 18.
Duane Albert, son of Charles and Betty (Torkildson) Grafsgaard was born on July 30, 1957, at Devils Lake, ND. He was raised and educated in Devils Lake attending Minnie H Elementary School and Central High School.
After high school, he moved to Florida and worked at River Ranch Acres. His uncle, Jimmy, lived in Florida and was so glad to have Duane living closer. Duane eventually returned to Devils Lake and worked a variety of jobs including Mr. and Mrs. J’s, Noodles by Leonardo in Cando, ND, and The Cove. Unfortunately, increasing health problems forced Duane to retire.
Duane overcame many health challenges, but with great courage and determination was able to live independently for many years. Eventually his health problems required more care and he felt blessed to be a part of Community Options and Lake Region Corporation in these last years. Duane and his family were so thankful for the care, the support and the love shown to Duane while he was in their care.
Duane had many talents. He was very artistic in his drawings and creative with his hands. He had come to enjoy fishing in these later years thanks to Fishing Has No Boundaries.
With failing health Duane enjoyed occasional trips to the casino and playing slots on his iPad. Over time Duane learned that life as a whole is a gamble. You don’t control the cards you are dealt, but you do control the game that you play. Smile. Enjoy. For soon the Dealer calls last hand and the memories of the game you played become much more meaningful than the number of chips you acquired.
Duane never complained, always had a smile and left us too soon. He will be forever loved and forever in our hearts.
Duane’s loving family include his siblings Gerald (Audrey) Grafsgaard, Bismarck ND, John Grafsgaard, JoAnne (Kim) Close, Carol Reese (Steve Eckes), Gary Grafsgaard, Charlotte (Richard) Rardon and Mike Grafsgaard all of Devils Lake; uncle Jimmy (Althea) Torkildson, Florida; nieces and nephews Vickie (Josh) Cofer, Fr. Thomas Grafsgaard, Matthew (Emily) Grafsgaard, Brian (Michelle) Grafsgaard, Amanda Brown, Christopher Grafsgaard, Misty (Andy) Dockter, Jacob (Michelle) Close, Travis Close, DC (Sam) Reese, Dustin (Sara) Reese, Diana Reese, Darrick (Lilly) Reese, Daniel (Andrea) Reese, Kasey (Jesse) Eversvik, Karey Rardon (Jimmy Toal), Kodey Rardon (Simon Lee), Jaydon (Heidi) Grafsgaard, Nate Grafsgaard, Jennica Grafsgaard; many great nieces, great nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Albert and Julia Grafsgaard, Erwin and Mae Torkildson.
Casket Bearers will be DC, Dustin, Darrick and Daniel Reese, Jaydon, and Nate Grafsgaard.
