Duane Kuehl

Duane J. Kuehl, age 76, of Lake Park, MN passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020 at his home.

Duane James Kuehl was born on September 11, 1944 in Moorhead, MN to Wilbert “Happy” and Vivian “Sue” Kuehl. Duane, also called “Dewey” and “Toad” by friends and family, attended and graduated from Dilworth High School in 1962. He married Carol Moen in 1965 and together they had four children, and later divorced. During this time, Duane worked as a carpet layer and later began working as a police chief and volunteer fire chief in Lake Park. He married Gloria Badar in 1987, growing his family by four more children who he loved as his own. Gloria passed away in 1990. Duane began working as a housekeeper and eventually painter at the Shooting Star Casino. In 2001, he married Audrey Huso, growing his family again by two more loved children. Duane also worked at the Minnesota Community Development Center in Detroit Lakes until his retirement. Duane was a member of the Detroit Lakes Eagles Club #2342.

Duane was known as the life of the party with his joyful laugh and had a great sense of humor. He had a compassionate heart and loved spending time with his big family. In his free time, Duane enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially spending time at Deer Camp. In his later years, he loved traveling with Audrey on cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean, trips to Mexico and Costa Rica, and spending winters in Arizona. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones.

Duane is survived by his wife of 19 years, Audrey Kuehl; children, Cheryl (Kirk) Anderson, David (Karan) Kuehl, and Christi Taylor; stepchildren, Jason (Nicole) Badar, Jean (Mike) Weber, Jon (Angie) Badar, Valerie (Claude) Straley, and Perry (Laurie) Melbo; brother, Keith Kuehl; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; second wife, Gloria Kuehl; daughter, Connie Kuehl; and stepdaughter, Julie Moorehead.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Detroit Lakes Eagles Club #2342, where Duane was a proud member for many years.

A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at the Hawley Cemetery, with a livestream of the service available at 11:00 A.M. on Duane’s webpage at www.wrightfuneral.com where a video tribute and guestbook may also be found.