Duane William Brokate

Duane William Brokate, 83, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Eventide in Fargo, ND.

Duane was born on March 27, 1940, to William and Mildred (Luckason) Brokate in Moorhead, MN. He grew up on the family farm north of Hawley, MN. He attended and graduated from Hawley High School. Duane was a farmer for all his life, purchasing his first piece of land while still attending high school. After high school, he worked part time as a mechanic at a local garage for a brief time before working full time on his farm. He met Faye Malakowsky at the Hawley Drive Inn where she worked as a car hop. They were united in marriage on August 24, 1962, in Eksjo Lutheran Church, Lake Park, MN. Duane and Faye raised four children and worked together on the farm. He retired in August of 2004 when he and Faye auctioned their farm equipment and moved into their retirement home on the same property. He continued working with local farmers in his retirement.

Duane was a very active, lifelong member of Lysne Lutheran Church, serving as custodian for many years and partaking in many duties at the church. He was a member of the Lysne Lutheran Church Council and worked on the church cemetery board. He also served on the Cromwell Township Board and the Hawley School Board. He and his family participated in 4-H for many years. He was deeply empathetic, very genuine, and quite stubborn. He wore his emotions on his sleeve and had a soft spot in his heart for animals, especially rescue cats and dogs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Faye; children, Brenda (Mark) Brokate Wagner, Beth (Nathan) Germolus, Becky (Chad) Richards, and Bruce (Heidi) Brokate; grandchildren, Emily (Brad) Johnson, Samuel (Stephanie) Germolus, Savannah (Matthew) Bechtel, Madison (Blake) Weide, Ava Brokate, Max Brokate, and Wil Brokate; great-grandchildren, Bhrooklyn, Mia, Owen, and Noah; and many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Mildred; infant son, Brent Brokate; and his sister, Geraldine Weets; and twin sister, Diane Wamre.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M., followed by the prayer service at 6:30 P.M., Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN. Visitation will continue from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Lysne Lutheran Church, rural Hawley, MN. A livestream of the service will be available here on Duane's webpage. Burial will be at the church cemetery, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Lysne Lutheran Church or Ethos Hospice.