Duane Alda Ranger, age 92, of Bovey, MN, passed away peacefully with family by his side Sunday, June 23, 2024 at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital, Grand Rapids, MN.

Duane was born to Mary (Jones) and Alda Ranger on August 21st, 1931, in Bovey, MN.  He graduated from Greenway High School in 1950.  Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and served four years stationed in Key West FL.  He went on to Itasca Junior College and then Fargo Trade School. Duane worked for Blandin Paper Co for 32 years until his retirement in 1993. He married the love of his life, Donna Jacobson, the "pick of the litter" in 1957.  Duane and his dad built their home just outside of Coleraine in 1962 where they raised their only child, son Gary.

Duane was loved and respected by so many.  Quiet by nature, but he loved to visit with people he knew and even those he didn't know.  He had a great sense of humor.  One of his greatest joys was spending time with his son.  They went to countless Timberwolves games, NCAA Final Fours, Twins games, North Stars/Wild games, and many other sporting events.  He loved live music, and you could often find him at Longyear Park in Coleraine for the Friday night bandshell concert and picnic.  He loved going to concerts, always with Gary who shares his love of music.  They have seen Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson probably more than anyone.  Duane also loved tinkering in the garage and fixing things.  He and Donna lived a quiet life but loved to travel.  They went on many family trips over the years from the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between, including camping trips with friends and relatives.  Duane tried his hand at Emu Farming in the late 90's, The Midway Emu Farm. He enjoyed those crazy birds and got so excited when a class field trip from one of the schools would come so he could teach the kids all about them.  He had a very strong faith and believed strongly in the holy word of the Bible.  He and Donna were members of the First United Church in Coleraine.

Duane served on the Planning Commission for the City of Coleraine for several years.  He loved to be involved and be a part of doing what he felt was best for the community.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 63 years Donna (Jacobson) Ranger; stepmother Ethel Ranger; sister Beverly Holm.

Duane is survived by his son Gary (Lynn) Ranger; grandson Aaron (Sammi) Voges; granddaughter Starr (Paul) Burch; great-grandchildren Brilyn, Jacob & Mya; brother Harlen (Pat) Girtz; sisters Kathy (Ken) Viereck and Rosemary King.  Other surviving relatives include Alice Hendrickson, Jim Hendrickson, Teresa Kohman, Mary (Clyde) Rivers, Kirstin Hendrickson, Pam (Gibeau) Mallum, Colen (Cindy) Gibeau, Jim (Linda) Gibeau, Tom Nelson, and special cousin Georgia Sarich. He is also survived by special friends Patti Jo Anwiler & Gary Busch.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM at First United Church in Coleraine, MN with a memorial service to follow at 12:00 Noon. Rev. Dorothy Duquette and Rev. Arlin Talley will co-officiate. The rendering of Military Funeral Honors will immediately follow the memorial service. There will be a light lunch served following services.

Special thank you to Marilyn & Tom Newman for their constant support and all they do! Also special thanks to The Lodge at Grand Village and Grand Itasca Hospital for the wonderful care the nurses and doctors have given Duane over the years.  Duane will be missed by everyone who knew him.