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Obituary for Duane A. Johnson


Duane A. Johnson, 90, passed away Thursday, January 7, 2021 at his home in West Salem. He was born in Ettrick, Wis., on August 27, 1930; Duane always thought of Ettrick as his home. He attended grade school at Beaches Corner and graduated from Blair High School in 1948. Duane worked at Schilling Electric in Galesville where he met his future wife, Loretta Drugan. They were married on September 14, 1950. He soon moved on to livestock related businesses; including, Midwest Livestock Producers and Equity Livestock Assoc., where he remained until his retirement. He was also an auction representative for Northern Investment. Survivors include his wife, Loretta; children, Linda (James) Remus, Cindy (Robert) Knutson, Jill Osborn, Kevin (Jean) Johnson, Ann (Kevin) Bina, John (Lori) Johnson, and Amy (Jeff) Baird; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his brother, Gene (Bonnie) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Jessessky and Helen Drugan; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Duane was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Margaret; brother, Hensel (Lila) Johnson; and his sister, Jeanette (Vernon) Nyen. A public visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 14, 2021, at St. Leo The Great Catholic Church, 210 Hamlin St., West Salem. All in attendance must wear a mask and social distancing will be observed. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held. Father Antony Joseph and Deacon Bob Zietlow will officiate. Burial will be held in St. Bridget's Catholic Cemetery, Ettrick.