Duane Francis Lawrence

Duane Francis Lawrence, 82, Moorhead, MN, died May 1st, 2022. After a yearlong fight with cancer, he passed away at his home surrounded by loved ones and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Duane was born July 20th, 1939 in Breckenridge, MN to Frank and Regina (Eckes) Lawrence.  He grew up in Wahpeton, ND and graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1957.  He went on to enroll in the Electrician Program at North Dakota State School of Science (NDSSS) in Wahpeton, ND where he earned an Associate Degree.

Duane was united in marriage to Jeannine Edner on July 22nd, 1961 and they made their home in Wahpeton. Later, their three children were born in Breckenridge. The family moved to Fargo in 1966 and later to Moorhead in 1973.

Duane worked for Sherwood Heating and Plumbing in Fargo for several years until he opened his own HVAC business, Comfort Control Company, out of his home in Moorhead in the mid 1970’s. He enjoyed taking care of his customer’s heating and air conditioning needs for many years until retiring in 2010.   Due to his love of tinkering, Duane continued helping friends and past customers with their HVAC needs long past his retirement.

Spending time at the lake, snowmobiling, and playing bingo at Vic’s Lounge were all activities Duane and Jeannine enjoyed doing together. Duane also enjoyed sharing his interest in, and large collection of, miniature trains with his children, grandchildren and neighbors.  Jeannine passed away in 2004, but Duane stayed active and enjoyed spending time with his good group of bingo friends.

Duane is survived by his children Sherri Lawrence, Moorhead, MN; Troy Lawrence, Moorhead, MN; and Bryce (Laura) Lawrence, Fargo, ND; and grandchildren, Sam Ohnstad; Brianna, Nicholas and Taylor Lawrence and several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannine; his parents Frank and Regina, and stepdad Louis.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to their dear family friends, Leonard and Faye Cook and to Duane’s neighbors, Don and Carmelle Lange and their son, Nathaniel for all their loving care and attention to Duane’s needs that allowed him to remain in his home for many years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to CCRI or Hospice of the Red River Valley on his behalf.

Duane will be honored with a Celebration of Life on Thursday, May 12^th at Suite Shots in Fargo starting at 6:00pm.