Duane Eugene Ahlness

Duane went to live eternally with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 2, 2026, one month before his 93rd birthday. 

He was born on September 2, 1933, on the Syverson/Ahlness farm near Hanska, Minnesota, to parents Oscar and Agnes (Wold) Ahlness. He attended country school through fifth grade, then transferred to Hanska Public School where he graduated in 1951. He farmed with his dad until he joined the US Army and was stationed in Germany and France in 1955 and 1956. After Duane completed military service, he returned to the farm with his dad and brother, Jerry. He held a love of farming in his heart throughout his lifetime.

In 1958, Duane was united in marriage to Janice Meyer of Winthrop. They met at the Kato Ballroom as students at Mankato State College. The band would play a song for the Circle Two Step then stop so dancers could switch partners. One evening, when the music paused, they found each other. They became dance partners that night and partners for 68 years in life.

Their union was blessed with three children–Sherri, Daniel, and Eric. As a family they made many memories traveling the country every summer, working together in the yard, visiting grandparents, studying school work, attending church and activities at the American Lutheran Church in Windom, where Duane served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Sherri, Dan, and Eric appreciate the life lessons their dad taught them–Work hard without complaint. Work before pleasure. Thank people. Respect your elders. Attend church. Travel with family. Learn. Read. And always treat people respectfully and fairly. These lessons are part of his legacy passed on to his grand- and great grandchildren, alongside stories and conversations to encourage them to always pursue their personal passions and talents.

Duane was employed by the Cottonwood County Family Service Agency for 30 years. He served first as a social worker, then as the agency director. This includes several years serving additionally as director for Jackson County.

Duane and Janice had many joint interests and hobbies. They enjoyed flower gardening, outside Christmas decorating, and traveling. Duane was an avid fan of Bluegrass music and attended many festivals. Visiting Branson was another of Duane’s favorite activities. His Norwegian heritage and involvement in Sons of Norway was also important to him, having been a member since 1974. In 1996, Duane and Janice fulfilled their dream of traveling to Norway. Additionally, he worked with distinction to perfect the best batch of lefse.

Duane is survived by his loving and devoted wife Janice, daughter Sherri (Rick) Broderius of Hector, son Dan Ahlness (Cindy Lannon) of New Richmond, Wisconsin, and son Eric (Lori) Ahlness of Lynnwood, Washington, four grandchildren William (Laura) Broderius and daughter Eliza of Detroit Lakes, Samantha (David) Nelson and their son Gage Nelson of Atwater, Ellen (Akmal) Ahlness Abdulmuminov and their children Anora and Rezo of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, and Audrey Ahlness (Eric Nelson) of LeRoy. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Donna Ahlness of Hanska, and nephews Steve Ahlness and Warren Ahlness.

To God be the glory for the life of Duane Ahlness. May his legacy of goodness, kindness and humility live on.

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mankato. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at church. Burial will be in Linden Lutheran Cemetery, Hanska. Memorials are preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Linden Lutheran Cemetery Association.