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COURTLAND--Duane "Duke" Dennis Fiemeyer, age 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at HCMC in Minneapolis, surrounded by the love of his family. Duke lived a full, active, and joyful life right up to the very end.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, September 28, at 11:00 a.m. at Courtland Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor David Linn officiating, followed by burial in the church cemetery and lunch at the Courtland Community Center. Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 27, from 4-7 p.m. at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home - SOUTH Chapel, and will continue at the church for one hour prior to the service on Monday.
Born on July 18, 1934, to Armin and Stella (Ginkel) Fiemeyer in Courtland, Duke spent his entire life in the community he loved, working at the Courtland Creamery, AMPI, and Courtland Industries. After retiring at age 62, he enjoyed thirty more years of energetic, wholehearted living. He found great joy in baking, cooking, and delivering food to family, friends, and neighbors--often prompting jokes that he should open "Duke's Diner." For more than fifty years, he was part of a cherished card club where countless memories and friendships were made.
On April 25, 1960, Duke married Marjorie Anfinson at Bethany Lutheran Church in Judson, and together they built a loving family and shared 66 years of marriage. They were blessed with three children: Dennis (Gabriela) Fiemeyer, Cindy (Jeff) Hoffmann, and Dan Fiemeyer; seven grandchildren: Ashley (Ryan) Greene, Adam (Tammy) Hoffmann, Jacob (Presley) Hoffmann, Monica Fiemeyer, Diego (Valerie) Fiemeyer, Kaylee Volz, and Serenity Volz; and eight great-grandchildren: McKinley, Maddox, and Madi Greene; Jaxton, Maverick, and Hazley Hoffmann; and Greta and August Hoffmann. Also survived by sister-in-law Deb Gravelle and nephew Allan "Butch" Fiemeyer. Duke also held a special place in his heart for his honorary grandchildren, Jenny and Glenn Brooks, and their children Grady, Mackenzie, and Jacquelyn.
Throughout his life, Duke was devoted to serving others. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and remained deeply involved in his community through the Courtland Fire Department, Courtland Lions Club, Nicollet Legion, and the Courtland Evangelical Lutheran Church Council. His dedication to the Lions Club was recognized with two of its highest honors: the Melvin Jones Fellow Award and the Helen Keller Sight Award, reflecting his compassion, leadership, and commitment to service.
Duke was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Orval and Helen Fiemeyer, Armin Fiemeyer, and Marvin and Kathryn Fiemeyer; in-laws Nancy and Orval Ulrich and Eldon and Sue Anfinson; and niece Sharon Fiemeyer. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, generosity, and the way he made everyone feel welcome--often with a warm meal in hand. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he served, and the many lives he touched.
Well done, good and faithful servant!