December 29, 1941 – January 4, 2026
Duane R. Behrens, age 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children, January 4, 2026.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner with Rev. Tracy Hinkel officiating. Interment will follow at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Sumner. Visitation will precede services at the Church on Saturday starting at 9:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Duane’s name to the Sumner Volunteer Fire Department or Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner.
Duane was born in Sumner on December 29, 1941, the son of Reinhart and Esther Behrens. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and graduated from Sumner Community High School in 1960. Duane married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Platte in 1961. He worked for Overton/Hydrite Chemical from 1963-1992. After that he drove semi for Gray Transportation and then Ruan Transportation until his retirement in 2006. Duane was an active member of the Sumner Fire Department for twenty-five years from 1969-1994, holding many offices including Assistant Fire Chief and continued to stay involved with the department as a retired firefighter.
Duane enjoyed time on the lake fishing, attempting to snag the big one. Many summers were spent camping in Annandale, Minnesota, and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and in more recent years he cherished summer days at the family cabin on the lake in Annandale. When he wasn’t fishing or camping, Duane could often be found tinkering in the garage, fixing up old tractors, or enjoying a game of Schafkopf. He also treasured the companionship of his dogs and took great pride in caring for them.
Duane is survived by his children, Dan (Anne) Behrens, David (Michelle) Behrens, Diane (Pierre) LaMere and Dennis (Jodi) Behrens; eleven grandchildren, Lance, Drew (Jennifer), Wade (Megan Feltz), and Grant Behrens, Curtis (Emelie Ahrendson) and Dustin (Serena) Behrens, Joseph and Brianna LaMere, and Emma, Evan and Blake Behrens; eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, JoAnn Behrens; niece, Michelle Ruzicka; and nephew, Matt Behrens.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Reinhart and Esther, brother, Donald and his wife, Sharon.
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