Duane Troe

Duane Ordell Troe, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and steadfast community leader, passed away peacefully in Good Samaritan’s hospice room.

Born May 29, 1930, to Helmer and Myrtle Troe, Duane was baptized at Silver Lake Lutheran Church and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1948 and went on to serve his country in the United States Navy aboard the battleship U.S.S. Wisconsin during the Korean War.

After his military service, Duane studied at the Minnesota School of Business, where he met the love of his life, Sonja Myran. They were united in marriage at West Freeborn Lutheran Church on March 3, 1957. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, service, and devotion to family.

Duane began his career in the accounting department at Hormel. Then, after five years, he became manager of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Manchester, a position he faithfully held until his retirement in 1995. He served twenty-five years on the board of directors for the Reinsurance Association of Minnesota, including multiple terms as chairman. He also chaired the Minnesota Association of Farm Mutual Insurance Companies in 1980.

Known for his integrity and faithfulness, Duane dedicated time to numerous organizations. He was a long-time member of Kiwanis, served twenty-five years on the Manchester Fire Department, and took on leadership roles at West Freeborn Lutheran Church, including a term as council president. His retirement was marked by continued service, delivering meals for the Meals on Wheels program and serving on the board of Bayview Funeral Home. In their later years, Duane and Sonja attended Round Prairie Lutheran Church.

Duane's passions included bowling, golf, and numerous card games, particularly cribbage, all of which he played to win. He treasured time with his loved ones and found joy in life’s simple pleasures, like grilling on his patio or listening to country western and gospel music.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helmer and Myrtle Troe, and his sister, Vivian Toenges. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sonja; their children: Catherine (Kent Otterman), James (Carrie), Jonathan (Rhonda), and Paul; fourteen grandchildren: Angie (Robert Hoffman), Josh Otterman (Anna), Aaron Troe (Kayla), Emily (Phualy Djrouko), Caleb Troe (Breanna), Elijah Troe, Ethan Troe, Lydia (Eric Iwan), Jonah Troe (Kaisha), Marcus Troe, Isabel (Caleb Miller), Hannah Troe, Nathan Troe, and Micah Troe; and nine great-grandchildren: Ender Otterman, Iden Otterman, Oaken Otterman, Peter Iwan, Arietta Iwan, Justus Troe, Damaris Troe, Lois Troe, and Oria Djrouko.

Duane’s legacy is one of kindness, humility, and commitment—a life well lived and deeply cherished.

Visitation will be at Bayview Funeral Home on Thursday, July 24th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, July 25th at Round Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Glenville.