Duane Marion Jergenson

Age 74, of Minneapolis, MN, passed away Sunday, December 27, 2020 at Methodist Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Duane Marion was born September 16, 1946, the son of Marion "Sparky" and Alice (Budach) Jergenson in Bricelyn, MN. Duane lived his early life on the same farm built by his parents. Such a home provided a rich environment to cultivate an appreciation for hard and honest work that dominated Duane's character. From spring planting to after-school shifts at the Bricelyn Canning Factory, Duane contributed to all aspects of their farm operations. Dedication to family and farm did little to limit Duane in academics or athletics. A star in both football and track, Duane helped propel the minuscule Bricelyn High's 880yd relay team to a top-five finish in the '63 MSHSL State Track Meet. Such displays of personal achievement and familial devotion were enough to catch a young Lynda Quam's attention in 1960. Neither needed more convincing that they were the perfect match for each other, leading to a relationship of 60 years, 54 in marriage. His classwork led him to Mankato State University. To support himself in school, the ever-industrious Duane found employment at Carlson Wedding Services. This humble part-time position would serve as the base for Duane's extraordinary career. Post-graduation, he would accept a full-time role as Office Manager with Carlson Wedding Services. However, the burgeoning conflict in Vietnam would prove to be an obstacle. The imposition of a drafting moratorium on Fairbault County led to uncertainty about when Duane's military service would begin. Never being one to let chance dictate his life, Duane began a cross-state campaign of his own to find a regiment to enlist in. His journey led him to Cannon Falls, where he enlisted as a clerk in the U.S. Army. He served in the Army Reserves for six years. During these years, Duane and Lyn welcomed their two children into the world: Tamara and Michael. Amid his service, Duane continued his career with Carlson. In 1975, Carlson Wedding Services would become Taylor Corporation, with Duane as a founder and integral piece of its success. His leadership helped the company grow from a regional printing firm to an international conglomerate. During Taylor Corp.'s rampant expansion, Duane headed several initiatives advancing the company. One accomplishment was studying and integrating early IBM computers. Recognizing his leadership and organizational skills, Taylor Corp. promoted Duane to President of the newly acquired Heinrich Envelope Corp. In 1985, Duane ascended to Vice President of Taylor Corp.'s Operations. This role led Duane to oversee ten divisions of Taylor Corp. in three different countries: Impretas Unitas in Mexico; International Artcraft, RTI, and Sunset Ltd. in Canada; and Fine Impressions, Litho Tech, LTS Print Systems, Schmidt Printing, Travel Tags in America and continued to oversee Heinrich Envelope. Prior to Duane's retirement he had the pleasure of being part of an ownership group for his favorite team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. After 34 years with Taylor Corp, Duane retired at the relatively young age of 53. His reason was simple. He had captured success, and now it was time to engage in his most significant venture, his family. The ever active Duane also gave his time to organizations outside of Taylor Corp. An athlete to the end, Duane served on the Northwest YMCA Board from 1984 to 1990, and as chairmen in '89-90. Duane also provided his services to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Even in retirement, Duane served as an Independent Director for Hawkins Inc. from 1996 until 2020. In retirement, Duane approached his family with the same zeal he did in the boardroom. Until the very end of his mother's life in 2014, Duane took trips to his childhood home to do the same chores he did as a boy. A perennial super-fan, Duane and Lyn rarely missed the hundreds of football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, choir, band, and theater events his four grandchildren provided. The consummate father picked up his beloved son, Michael, from his group home every Friday to spend the weekend with his parents. The same rigid schedule delighted both father and son's propensity for precise plans. In the many cold months of Minnesota, Duane and Lyn savored each other's company in Naples, Florida. Even in paradise, Duane began each day like the farmer he was, at the crack of dawn. Instead of hauling bales of hay, Duane started each day with his "NBA" workout. Four 12-minute periods of 6% incline and six miles per hour. Such a feat led to playful teasing of his grandchildren, "I'm old; you should be able to go twice as fast." Always looking to spend more time with family, Duane ensured that when the family came down to visit, they not only got tickets but purchased them at the correct time to ensure the lowest price. Trips to Naples were an annual highlight for children Mike and Tami, and especially his four grandchildren. Duane imprinted his presence on all that met him. He gave the world a distinctive combination of grit, love, determination, warmth, and humility. Duane leaves a void for all that loved and knew him. Duane is survived by his wife, Lyn Jergenson of Minneapolis; his children Michael and Tamara (Peter) Wold; his four grandchildren: Harrison, Greta, Asa, and Charlotte Wold; his brother Dick (Beverly) Jergenson and sister Debbie Jergenson. Duane is preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, Owen Wold in infancy. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Fraser.org and CHOICE, Inc. A special thanks to doctors, nurses, and the support staff of Methodist Hospital, all of whom played a critical role in Duane’s final days amongst the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to COVID-19, a private family funeral will be held on Sunday, January 17, at 1:00 pm at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. The service will be live streamed, please join the service through the church web site at centralmpls.org Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Duane Marion Jergenson

September 16, 1946 - December 27, 2020

Tributes

Duane Marion Jergenson

September 16, 1946 - December 27, 2020

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203