Duane Hesch, age 87, of Valley City, ND, died Friday, March 4th at SMP Health-St. Raphael in Valley City. Duane passed away surrounded by his loving family.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 11th at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Valley City. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 10th at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church from 5:00 PM until 6:30 PM. The rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM with a Prayer Service immediately following. Interment will be in St. Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery in the spring. An online guestbook and livestream of Duane’s service will be available at www.lerudmathias.com
Duane was born to Garvis and Bernice (Stroh) Hesch on December 25, 1934 in Valley City. He grew up in Eckelson, ND and graduated from Eckelson High School in 1952. In 1953, he joined the Valley City National Guard 141st Engineer Combat Battalion (fka: 164th Infantry Regiment). He served from 1953 to 1961, holding the position of motor pool Sargent for the last 5 ½ years of his service. In 1957, he met his wife Linda Gratz and were married in 1961. They moved to Fargo where he attended Hanson’s Auto & Diesel School. He worked as a Ford mechanic before returning to farming with his father in 1965. In 1979, he took over the family farm and farmed until 1986. In winter months he worked several years for Peavey Elevator. After retiring from farming in 1986, he spent his free time working for other farmers and local farm implement dealers; he especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Linda; children Perry (Darlene) Hesch, Darla (Dave) Muckenhirn, Rhonda (Randy) Nikunen, and Wade (Kim) Hesch; his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren; Sister Cheryl (Bruce) Foster; nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his Parents, Grandparents, Grandson Tristen Hesch, Brother Larry Hesch, and Nephews Jeremy & Kyle Foster.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Catherine’s Cemetery.