Duane Luther Erickson passed away on February 3, 2026, at Good Shephard Home, in the company of loved ones at the age of 94.
He was the fifth child born to Alvin and Myrtle (Flattum) Erickson at home in rural Lanesboro. Duane was a long-time active member of First Lutheran Church of Highland. He was baptized by Rev. GÜre with John and Olga Glenna as his sponsors. He was confirmed by Phillip Hiller and served the church and cemetery board in many capacities.
Grades one through eight were spent at the Flattum Country School. When he started first grade, he only spoke Norwegian and retained his Norwegian accent the rest of his life. After graduating from Lanesboro High School in 1949, he then graduated from Luther College in 1952.
In August 1953, he answered the call to serve his country. After basic training at Fort Riley, he spent 15 weeks at Indianapolis for finance training. He served in Ashefenburg, Germany. During this time, he enjoyed traveling extensively in Europe. In 2017, he was pleased to go on the Honor Flight with Lanesboro Legion Members.
After his two years in the Army, he returned to Lanesboro to farm with his father and brother Merville. On June 29, 2001, Duane married the love of his life, Donna Meyer Rude in her Decorah backyard. This new chapter brought children, travel and much enjoyment to his life.
Duane will be fondly remembered for his kindness, honesty, compassion, for being a good steward of the land and his love of this country and the Highland area. Throughout his life, he faithfully followed the teachings of Jesus. He was a “gentleman” – a “gentle” “man.”
Survived by wife Donna, children Deanna (Chuck) Casterton, Paul (Yer Vang) Rude, and Mathew (Aubrey) Purdy-Rude; grandchildren Justin and Katie Casterton, and Josh and Kelly Dee; great-grandchildren Ida, Ava, Carson and Lela; sister Alida Erickson, sister-in-law LaVaughn Erickson, brothers-in-law Ben (Pat) Meyer and Bobby (Linda) Meyer, and several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Myrtle Erickson, parents-in-law Ben and Isie Meyer, sisters Violet Erickson and Evelyn (John) Nehring, brothers Merville Erickson and Leroy (Phyllis) Erickson, niece Dianne Erickson, nephews Levi Storm, Douglas Erickson, Loren Erickson and partner Gary Mazonne, and Richard Erickson; and brother-in-law Leslie Erickson.
Visitation will be on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford, Minn., from 3-6 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at First Lutheran Church of Highland in Lanesboro, Minn., at 11 a.m. with a one hour visitation prior to the service.
The memorial service will be livestreamed and recorded to watch at a later time. Please follow the link together.oneroomstreaming.com/PY8WLR
Hoff Funeral Home – Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements.
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