Duane Vatsaas, Thief River Falls, MN, age 92, passed away on Tuesday April 7, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral Service for Duane will be held 1:00 PM on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Timothy Lundeen officiating. Burial will be held at Oak Ridge Lutheran Church Cemetery rural Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday.

Duane Vernon Vatsaas was born August 29, 1933 in Clay County, MN, the son of Bendick and Bernice (Olsen) Vatsaas. He was baptized in 1934 and confirmed in his faith on May 9, 1948. He attended and graduated Lincoln High School, Thief River Falls, in 1952.

Duane served his country with the United States Army from December 1952 to December 1955. He served in Korea for 18 months.

On December 5, 1953, Duane was united in marriage to Pauline Halbasch.

He was employed with Dakota Maid Feeds, Kiewel Products Company and the US Post Office. He also had dairy cattle and raised grain. He enjoyed working with area farmers, especially Richard Jorde and Curtis Swanson.

He held office in Oak Ridge Church for many years, and served on the ASCS Committee for 9 years, the ADA board and for 30 years he served on the Town board. Duane liked music and was in a Western Band “Valley Ramblers” for a time, then sang with a group at rest homes, churches, hospitals and benefits. He enjoyed fishing and bowling and most especially enjoyed playing with and attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren sporting events.

Survivors include his children: Jean (Jack Nelson) Bach, Jodie (Neil) Zatorski, Julie (Jim) Herzog and Janelle (Mike) Beedy; grandchildren: Nick (Jolene) Swanson, Kyle (Dana) Swanson, Jason (Alicia) Olson, Justin (Roxanne) Olson, Katie Yoder and Kayla Barth; great grandchildren: Jordan Scheving, Abby Scheving, Bentley Scheving, Aydin Yoder, Zane Saula, Harper Swanson, Reed Swanson, Drew Swanson, Evan Swanson, Arianna Olson and Axel Olson; sisters: Joan (Del Ray) Offerdahl and Pat (Richard) Kjensrud along with many devoted nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Pauline; parents Bendick and Bernice; brothers: Bendick Jr and Jerry, sister Inga Kennedy; son-in-law Mitch Swanson.

In Lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to HIA Hospice or Oak Ridge Lutheran Church.