Duane B Johnson

Duane B. Johnson of Duluth died Friday, October 3, 2025 in Arden Hills, MN where he had been residing for several months. Born in Moose Lake, MN November 15, 1936, Duane lived for a time in Portland, OR during WWII, but called Park Point his home for over sixty years. He was a valued employee of Duluth Public Schools maintenance department until his retirement in 1998.
Duane was a man of many mostly self-taught skills, hobbies and interests. He was a woodworker with a particular interest in clock-making. He remodeled and re-roofed homes. He enjoyed maintaining and repairing cars. He could be depended on to have the right tool for any job. He followed his favorite Minnesota sports teams with enthusiasm. He took pride in his Finnish heritage and could often be seen walking near his home on Park Point using one of his trekking poles. He was a wonderful Dad and Grandad with a keen desire to love and provide for his family.
Duane is survived by his daughters, Karen (Mark) Northrup, Hudsonville, MI and Sharon (Greg) Fiebiger, Shoreview, MN; four grandchildren, Kendra Northrup (Chris Carroll), Kaiserslautern, Germany, Katherine Northrup and Benjamin Northrup, both of Hudsonville, MI and Graham Fiebiger, Ames, IA; and one great-granddaughter, Ingrid Carroll of Kaiserslautern. Also surviving Duane are many nieces and nephews; other relatives especially his cousin and friend Rod Walli of Cromwell, MN, coffee buddies from Lost in the 50's in Superior, WI as well as his former wife, Margaret (Rotsaert) Crabtree of Superior.
Duane's brothers, Arnold L. Johnson and Norman F. Johnson preceded him in death.
Family and friends are invited to a reception in Duane's honor Saturday, October 18, 2025, 10am-noon, Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth.