Duane P. Zenke

Duane Paul Zenke, 84, of La Crescent, MN, died Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at his home. He was born in La Crosse, WI, on June 21, 1936 to Arnold and Maggie (Papenfuss) Zenke. He married Lois Papenfuss on April 23, 1955 in Pickwick, MN. They lived in Nodine, MN, where they raised their four sons, moving to La Crescent in 1984.

Duane owned various businesses from 1957 until 1980 namely Dakota Heavy Equipment, Nodine Culvert and he also farmed in the Nodine area. He was also a licensed auctioneer and formed Duane Zenke Auction Company until 2002 when his son Hoyt and wife Cheryl took over the auction company.

He remained actively interested in the auction and machinery business until the day he died. Duane was a Rotarian from 1990-2003 receiving the Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1998. He served as Rotary President 1994-1995. He was on the La Crescent Planning and Zoning Board from 1994-1996. He then served on the La Crescent City Council from 1996-2001 and was a member of the La Crescent Chamber of Commerce. In 1998 Duane and Lois were named La Crescent “Man and Woman of the Year”.

Duane was very proud of his four sons and their accomplishments. He truly loved and cared for his family and extended family. He was known for his smile and genuine interest in people.

He is survived by his wife Lois and sons Kevin (Connie), Hoyt (Cheryl), Travis (Kathy) and Barry (Cindy) and a very special daughter Letty (Ray) Hornberg and their family. Eleven grandchildren, Dustin (Erica), Amber (Adam) Thorson, Grant (Alyssa Kreibich), Brad (Alison) McNally, Shana (Elliott) Wieser, Tyler, Paul (Katie), Lee (Julia Dudley), Angela (Shelton Todd), Brandon (Courtney Brooks), Ashley (Nathan) Van Loon, nineteen great grandchildren, one brother Jerry (Joan), sisters Doreen Gile, Janie (Larry) Hostrawser, sister in law Cheryl Ruud and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter in law Karen (Horihan) Zenke and two brothers in law Lavern Gile and Steven Ruud.

Public visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:30 until 2:30 P.M. on Sunday, December 20, 2020 in the Multi-Purpose room at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Nodine.   Those in attendance will be required to practice safe social distancing and wear a mask. Private family funeral services and burial will follow.   In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church or school.