Duane Kotrba, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at his home, at the age of 78.

Graveside Service for Duane will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Northwood Cemetery, rural Grygla, MN.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Duane's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN, with Rev. Vicki Saude-Worthington officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at the Northwood Cemetery, rural Grygla, MN.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 PM until 1:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home.

Duane Jacob Kotrba was born on April 15, 1944 in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Jacob and Elsie (Mack) Kotrba.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith in Tabor, MN.  Duane graduated from Warren High School in Warren, MN in 1962.

Following high school Duane attended the AVTI in Thief River Falls, MN, graduating with a degree in drafting.

In August 1966 Duane was drafted into the United States Army.

While attending the AVTI, Duane met Judith Lee.  The couple were united in marriage on December 26, 1966.  After Duane was discharged from the Army, they made their home near Thief River Falls and raised their three children – Lynelle, Brian, and Cara.

Throughout the years Duane worked for Woodland Construction, Forsberg's, Marvin Windows, and retired from Goebel Fixtures in Hutchinson, MN.

After retirement Duane focused on his woodworking hobby and displayed his work at various toy shows over the years.  He also enjoyed going to car shows with his son and grandchildren, where he would show his father's 76' Ford pickup.  Duane looked forward to daily breakfast or lunch with his good friend, Jason Rux.

Duane had a beautiful yard that both he and Judy enjoyed keeping up, whether it was mowing or gardening or taking care of the flowers.  He also enjoyed spending time at his son's home where he loved to visit and drink coffee.  Duane loved to visit and show pictures of his wood toys that he built and old cars he bought a couple of years ago.

Duane is survived by his children, Lynelle Kotrba of Los Angeles, CA, Brian (Tina Hell) Kotrba of Red Lake Falls, MN, and Cara Kotrba of Warren, MN; grandchildren, Logan, Kalen, Shelby, and Lola; siblings, Bonnie Griffin of Temple, TX, Barb Holen of Grand Forks, ND, Mary (Bruce) Hanson of Grand Forks, ND, Jacob (Diane) Kotrba Jr. of Fargo, ND, Linda (Gary) Ottoboni of San Mateo, CA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; his parents, Jacob and Elsie Kotrba; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harland and Anna Lee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Fargo VA Healthcare Systems, 2101 Elm Street N., Fargo, ND 58102, attn: CDCE 135; the Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN, P.O. Box 644, West Fargo, ND 58078; or the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) at www.dav.org

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com