Jamie Duke

Jamie Dean Duke, age 85, of Pine River, MN, passed away on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, surrounded by his family. Jamie was born in Harlan, Iowa on January 3, 1933, to Frank James Duke and Rose Petersen. He attended high school at Willmar Senior High School in Willmar, MN. He married Muriel Soldner on March 6, 1953.

Jamie worked for the railroad but spent most of his life as an over the road truck driver. Long trips for work would often keep him from his wife, Muriel, and kids however he never let that get in the way of showing his family unconditional love. Jamie and Muriel were inseparable. From early mornings spent feeding the birds, squirrels, and deer to late night DQ visits, Jamie and Muriel were the classic example of soulmates.

When it came to his kids, his biggest life lesson was teaching them how to love with all their hearts. In the winters he would build igloos for them, tighten their skates, and shovel paths on the lake for them to skate on. He loved being on the water with his kids whether it was rowing the boat on Little Detroit Lake to watch the fireworks or standing on the dock teaching them how to fish. Saturdays were spent going to town to run errands and visit friends, but he never hesitated to bring the kids along. He also made sure his children were very involved in church. Special trips to A&W for a “rootie tootie rootbeer” with his kids turned into frequent trips to DQ with his grandkids, great grandkids, and great-great grandkids for a hot fudge sundae.

Jamie had a passion for woodworking. He would make everything from birdhouses to wooden boxes. If you asked, he would make it. Countless hours were spent giving his grandkids tractor rides, teaching them how to polish and make jewelry out of agates, and making his world-famous turtle pancakes.

Jamie is survived by his children: Henrietta Johnson of Willmar, MN, Rebecca (William) Fennelly of Lees Summit, MO, Jeffery (Diane) Duke of Spicer, MN, Jamie (Kathy) Duke of New London, MN, Kimberely Lightner of Shawnee, KS, Christina Kotz (Jeremy Gardner) of Crosslake, MN/Kansas City, MO, Laurie (Steve) Grotnes of Detroit Lakes, MN; 30 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; sister, Connie Duke of Jacksonville, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

Jamie was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Muriel Duke; sister, Barbara Beske; and Baby Boy Duke of Sweet Home, OR.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation Monday, July 23, from 5 to 7 PM at Kline Funeral Home in Pine River. Funeral service will be at 1pm on Tuesday, July 24, with visitation one hour prior to the service at Kline Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.