Duane Boehler

Duane Boehler, 68 Duane Henry Boehler, 68, of Crosslake, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 9th, 2018. Duane was born on April 24th, 1949 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Henry and Jennie (Koskela) Boehler. He graduated from Vocational Tech High School in 1967 and joined the United States Navy in 1969. He proudly served his country aboard several different Navy ships as a machinist, allowing him to travel the world as a young man. In the summer of 1983, he met the love of his life, Karen Renee Hoerauf, and convinced her to marry him on July 27th, 1984. Together they made their home in Bloomington, Minnesota, and raised their three wonderful children-Matthew, Christopher, and Sarah. Duane had a successful career in manufacturing for over thirty years, working his way up to plant manager. He retired in 2008 and enjoyed the fruits of his labor by traveling with his beautiful wife, relaxing in the lake home he and Karen built together, and spending his winters basking in the warm sunshine of southern Texas. He was an avid boater, wine enthusiast, and dedicated sports fan. He loved his three children more than anything else, and he willingly and happily endured more than ten graduation ceremonies between them. Before his passing, he was able to spend nine months with his only granddaughter, Lyla Beth, and made her smile and laugh every time they were together. His children remember him as a kind and patient father, who encouraged them to pursue their goals, to seek happiness, and to not sweat the small stuff because "life's too short." Duane was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to all. Duane is survived by his wife Karen of 34 years, son Matt Boehler, son C.J. Boehler, daughter Sarah Wedel (Boehler), son-in-law Jared Wedel, granddaughter Lyla Beth Wedel, his sisters Darlene and Shirley, and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Jennie Boehler, and his brother Ed Boehler. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 26th, 2018 at Duane's church in Crosslake Lutheran Church, 35960 Co Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442, Pastor Kristin Oltmann will be officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pinewood Cemetery in Crosslake, Minnesota with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Duane's honor to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation at curemeso.org and/or the Crosslake American Legion Post 500.