Duane and Becky Carlsrud, died Thursday, August 29, 2019 at their home near Gary, MN.

Duane Theodore, the son of Kilmer "Ted" and Doris Carlsrud, was born on July 27, 1957 in Ada, MN.  He was baptized and confirmed his faith at St. Petri Lutheran Church, near Gary.  He grew up in the Gary, MN community and graduated with the class of 1975.  Duane then attended technical college in East Grand Forks, MN where he studied auto mechanics.  Duane was employed with the John Deere Implements in Fertile, MN and later in Ada, MN.  He also spent time working with Willard Gade Construction and Olson's Truck and Tire.  For the past several years, Duane followed his heart and went back to working the fields.  He enjoyed organic farming with Jim Todahl and was most currently employed with Sather Farms.  Several years after his wife, Shonnie, passed away, Duane was blessed to meet Becky and they were married on November 11, 2018.  Duane was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and he was currently recovering from chemo and stem cell treatments.  Over the years, Duane served on the Strand Township board and had been a member of both the St. Petri and Ness Church Councils. He was also a past member of The Gary Lions.  Duane loved all aspects of farming and had a true passion for tractor restoration.  He worked on all "colors" but his favorites were the green ones!  Duane had an extensive tractor collection and loved tractor pulls.  He was a member of the Old Times Pullers Association, the Northern Pullers Association, and the Lake Agassiz Two-Cylinder Club, where he served as president for many years.  He was also active in the WMSTR and enjoyed going to Rollag each year.  He was a precise gardener with a clean cut lawn at all times, an avid hunter, and a proud pet owner of several cats and dogs.

Duane is survived by one sister, Karen (Bob Erickson) of Gary; one brother, Dale (Roberta) Carlsrud, of Tower City, MN; one niece, Kelsey; two nephews, Darin and Ryan (Olivia); as well as several stepchildren and step grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Shonnie; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Rebecca (Becky) Lee Merringer was born on August 22, 1958 to Ruth Ann (Yackel) and Ray Henry Merringer in Hinsdale, IL.  Her family moved to Lamberton in 1963.  She attended Lamberton Public School graduating in 1976 and then went on to attend college at MN West and Ridgewater Colleges.  Becky took much pride in caring for others with most of her life's work having to do with the direct care of people.  Becky was a very giving, kind, compassionate person.  She displayed resilience in every aspect of her life.  For these things she will forever be remembered and cherished.  Her hobbies include gardening, swing, canning, shopping, cooking, wildlife, visiting, going to church, playing games, decorating, her pets, and collecting.

She is survived by her mother Ruth Merringer; siblings: Ron (Julie) Merringer and  Rhonda (Steve) Underwood; children:  Shannon (Talon) Whitehorse, Angel (Brian) Weber, Joni Odom, Elijah Odom, Sara Villarreal, Steven (Naomi) Odom; grandchildren: Matt (Alana) Odom, Samantha (Jordan) Rolling, Mitchell Schultz, Marissa Whitehorse, Triston Whitehorse, Christian Weber, Deena Weber, Eva Weber, Fara Weber, Alecia (Jesse) Sour, Divante Williams, Nakiya Williams, Julius Williams, Thomayis Williams, Jionni Odom, Niklaus Odom, Eliana Mireles, Jodi Villarreal, Linaye Odom, Mia Odom, Noni Odom, Jaiden Odom, Peyton Odom, Declan Odom, Joseph Villarreal, Manuel Villarreal; great grandchildren: Aryiana, Jaxyn, Riyker, Maverick, Aiden, Jada, Keeley, Ella, Emma, Ezra; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.  Becky was preceded in death by her father Ray Henry Merringer and her grandparents - Maude and Jack Yackel.

A Time of Remembrance will take place from 2:00pm until 4:00pm, on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the American Legion Hall, in Gary.