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Obituary - Duane Layton Schlotfeldt

Duane Layton Schlotfeldt, beloved husband, dad, and grandpa, of Havre passed away on July 24, 2015, at the age of 81.

Duane was born on June 25, 1934, in Wahpeton, North Dakota, to Harold and Lucille (Layton) Schlotfeldt. The second of six children, Duane shared fond memories of his childhood growing up on a family farm. On the farm, he discovered a lifelong love of animals through milking the cows and caring for his horse, Blossom. In addition, Duane enjoyed playing football, basketball and baseball at Delamere High School. He graduated in 1952 and attended North Dakota State School of Science.

In 1954, he married Jeanne Wittkopp in Barney, North Dakota. When daughter Darbie was 1 year old, and twins Lorren and Larry were just three weeks old, Duane and Jeanne moved their family to Havre. That is where sons Hal and Brian were born. In Havre, Duane supported his family working as a carpenter, a maintenance worker, a boiler operator, and a bus supervisor for Havre Public Schools until he retired at age 61.

Throughout his life, Duane loved spending time outdoors with his family. He hunted grouse, deer and antelope with his sons and grandsons. Later, he took his grandchildren sledding, fishing, and target shooting. He knew practically every coulee and draw in north-central Montana like the back of his hand. Duane also loved and collected Remington rifles and traveled to gun shows throughout the state.

Duane's favorite times were telling and listening to stories with his children and grandchildren. His humor was infectious, and his sons subjected him to good-natured, incessant ribbing. Although Duane's family misses him greatly, they will cherish and retell his stories and remember him as a generous family man.

Duane's parents and oldest brother, Lyle, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne, after 61 years of marriage; daughter, Darbie Hess (husband, Bill, and children Courtney, Jordan) of Helena; sons, Larry (wife, Paula, and children Ryan, Todd, Emma) of Kalispell, Lorren (wife, Gayle, children Randy, Bryan, Shawn) of Havre, Hal (wife, Linda, children Seth, Evan) of Butte; Brian (children, Cole, Jaycee) of Havre; and great-grandchildren, Mya, Isaac, Devyn, Dylan, Eli and Ben. Duane is also survived by sisters, Sharon Lunneborg of Milnor, North Dakota; Marilyn Dockter of West Fargo, North Dakota; brothers, Gary Schlotfeldt of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Alan (Patricia) Schlotfeldt of Wimbledon, North Dakota; sister-in-law, Alice Schlotfeldt of Wahpeton, North Dakota; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2015, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Havre with Pastor Linda Rose officiating. A luncheon will be held in the church fellowship hall following the service.

Duane was a member of First Lutheran Church for more than 50 years. In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations are suggested to the church at 303 Sixth Ave., Havre, MT 59501.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and services. Please visit Duane's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

 

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