Duane Armin Schley

Duane Schley, age 92 of Edina MN, passed away on January 22, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sandra (Gerland); son Stephen (Nichole) and two granddaughters, Paradis and Eden; and son Geoffrey. He was preceded in death by his parents Alex & Helena Schley, & brothers Kermit, LaVerne, and Clarence. Duane was born on the family farm outside Stratford, SD on October 21, 1928. The youngest of four boys, he enjoyed an active outdoor life. After graduating from Stratford High School in 1946, Duane attended South Dakota State University where he majored in Electrical Engineering and was a member of the wrestling team and Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC). Later in life, he continued his education at the University of Minnesota and Stanford University. Duane served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Crisis. His assignment was with depot weapons - waiting long nights in the event a command came to release an atomic missile. Technology was the focus of Duane's career. In 1969, he founded a software and services company that, after rebranding to reflect its focus on serving the legal profession, became Computer Law Systems. Duane sold the business in 2006 and retired. Throughout his life, Duane was active in many sports and taught those around him the love of sport. He skied throughout Europe and the US, founded the Twin Cities Social Tennis Club, and coordinated activities for the Nomad's Golf Group. A big-time sailor, his love for sailing included navigating the Caribbean islands, crewing in the Antigua Races, completing a transatlantic crossing from Bermuda to the Azores, and making the first leg of a voyage through the Northwest Passage. In retirement, Duane and Sandy continued to be active travelers. They enjoyed epic journeys throughout the world, including family reunions in Norway and Germany. Duane was also active in his profession and community with commitments ranging from Cub Scout leader to board member at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. Additionally, he chaired an immigrant Resettlement Committee and served as president of the Metro Gyro organization. For the last six months, Duane resided at Sunrise Senior Living in Edina where his outgoing nature continued to grow with new friendships. The German language of his childhood resurfaced and Mach's Gut became his easy-going contribution to conversations. Duane will be remembered as a devoted man of faith; a loving and loved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was charming, a person everyone enjoyed. Most of all, we cherish and celebrate his gentle soul and sweet demeanor. Auf Wiedersehen Duane/Dad. Wir lieben Dich. The virtual celebration of Duane's life will be held on Friday, February 5, at 10:30 AM Central. The link is: vimeo.com/505029758 Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Normandale Lutheran Church - Worship Music and Technology (6100 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55436), a fund established in memory of Duane and to honor his interests in music and technology, or the donor's choice.

Tributes

Duane Armin Schley

October 21, 1928 - January 22, 2021

Tributes

Duane Armin Schley

October 21, 1928 - January 22, 2021

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