Duane C. Wheeler

Duane C. Wheeler, 86, was born April 16, 1934 in Casselton, North Dakota to Clarence and Dorthea (Willert) Wheeler.

Duane graduated from Thompson High School, Thomson, North Dakota as Salutatorian in 1952 and went on to Mayville State Teachers College. He taught grades 1 – 8 in a country school near Hatton, North Dakota.

On October 1954, he entered the US Army where he was an Operations Intel Specialist. Duane spent 1 year in Korea and was honorably discharged on October 1956.

Duane married Janet Nelson on February 26, 1955 at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

From January 1957 until 1971, they made their home in California. Early on Duane worked at Librascope Electronics in Glendale, California in purchasing and later worked at Lockheed Aircraft as a buyer in Burbank, California. Insurance always interested him, and he began working with Farmers Insurance Group in Burbank, California.

In February of 1971, they decided to move back to North Dakota after a big earthquake. Duane became the district manager for Farmers Insurance Group in Grand Forks. He later formed Wheeler Insurance which he operated until his retirement.

Duane was not a big talker, but he was known for his quick wits, jokes, and magic he would show to the little children. He played basketball in school and was a good shot. Golf became is his passion and he made 2 holes in one!

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Lorne and James (Martha) Wheeler.

Duane is survived by his wife Janet, son Jon (Brenda) Wheeler, daughters: Dixie (Mickey) Albaugh, Danette (Alan) Abraham, grandchildren: Lee (Stacy) Wheeler, Derek (Kari) Wheeler, Nathan (Jeni) Albaugh, Melissa (Steve) Arnold, Bryan (Janelle) Kuntz, Tonia (Trent) Litchy, Brian (Heather) Abraham, great grandchildren: Kaden and Daphney Wheeler, Milo and Kennedy Wheeler, Grace and Ella Arnold, Hudson and Sloane Albaugh, Annabelle, Colin and Lauren Abraham, sister-in-law Libby Wheeler, brothers-in-law, Herbie Nelson, Chuck (Pam) Nelson, and many nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held Monday, May 11, 2020 at Memorial Park North Cemetery.

To watch a recording of the graveside service please use the link: https://youtu.be/a9_9DN4P0D0