Duane Robert Byers

Duane Robert Byers passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025, at CentraCare Hospital in Long Prairie, Minn., at age 81.

Born on Nov. 21, 1943, as the oldest of five boys to Robert (Bob) and Ida Byers, Duane grew up on a farm outside Colwell, Iowa. Times were lean, and his early life was colored by hard work on the farm as well as card games, and laughter at the local bar his grandmother owned.

He and his high school sweetheart, Sharon, graduated from the small Colwell High School, later marrying and building a life rooted in devotion and perseverance.

At just 22, Duane lost his father in a car accident. As the eldest son, he stepped up, helping his mother and younger brothers navigate overwhelming grief. Shortly thereafter, Duane was drafted and served honorably in Vietnam – a war that took its toll in more ways than one.

He returned in 1969, welcomed his first child, Bob, and then suffered further loss when his younger brother Dennis died tragically in a car accident. At Dennis’ funeral, their mother Ida passed away from a heart attack, a devastating chapter in Duane’s life that he endured with stoic strength, offering no complaints and asking for no sympathy.

He and his wife Sharon took in his youngest brother, Tony, and moved forward as a family after also welcoming a daughter, Andrea. Through it all, Duane remained grounded, in part thanks to his Uncle Laverne, a father figure who helped fill the immense void and was a well-loved man by the whole family.

Duane was a smart man and also surprising. He enrolled the family in Taekwondo in rural Iowa, went to night school, and had a passion for reading and documentaries. He swore colorfully, enjoyed hunting and fishing, loved a good beer with a bump, and was known for his zucchini bread and sharp skills in cribbage.

Duane survived not just personal tragedy, but also the economic upheaval of the 1980s farm crisis. He had worked for Oliver/White Farm tractors and upon the closing of their plant in Charles City he relocated his family to Minnesota in 1986 and began a new chapter as HR Director at Hart Press/Banta.

He had an eye for talent and a gift for building teams that felt more like families. Colleagues like Mark Deterding, Jay Abraham, Barb Bense, Warren Weber, Cindy Wojtkiewicz, Dawn Sparby, Andy Johnson, Judy Zastrow and many others became lifelong friends. Vince and Roy were among those who stood by him like family.

A consummate professional by day, Duane was a no-nonsense dad by night. He valued respect, held clear boundaries, and didn’t tolerate nonsense – but he also had a razor-sharp sense of humor, a soft spot for his grandkids, and for scaring his nephews with spooky stories. His deep, quiet love for family was best seen in his relationship with his grandchildren, whom he adored with a patience and gentleness that surprised those who remembered his stricter parenting style.

Later in life, Duane found peace in returning to the Catholic faith. He served on the church board and attended weekly Mass, finding solace and community in his faith.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sharon; his children Bob (Carrie) Byers, Andrea (Jeff) Turner, and brother Tony (Chris) Byers; grandchildren; Sam, Nick, Kiera, and Gage Hanson, Alice Foote, Nick and Ryan Turner; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Bob and Ida, and his brothers Dennis, Mike, and Roger. A Mass of Christian Burial was held June 7, 2025, at St. Mary’s of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Long Prairie, Minnesota. Interment will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls at a later date.

Arrangements were with the Iten Funeral Home of Browerville, Minn.