Dwane George Sympson

Dwane George Sympson, 77, passed away peacefully Friday, January 23, 2026, at Comforts of Home in River Falls where he had resided for the past 2 years. He was born on September 2, 1948, in San Diego, CA to Harry and Phyllis (Brown) Sympson, and enjoyed spending his younger years surfing and working on cars. He attended schools in San Diego and then served in the US Airforce from 1966-1973.

On February 14th, 1969, in Honolulu Hawaii, he and Barbara Blue were married. After completing his service, they resided happily in Red Wing for the next 20 years, near Barbie’s family and were heavily involved in the family business, Flower Valley Orchards.

For over 30 years, Dwane worked as an auto mechanic in and around the Red Wing area, including time spent owning his own shop, Dwane’s Repair Service. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he also enjoyed competing in Trap Shooting and Drag Racing. He excelled on his trap teams, built his own drag cars from the ground up and raced them often at local racetracks.

Dwane is survived by his son, Bill (Arriety), daughter Katie (Nate); and two grandsons, Wyatt (Hailey) and Evan. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Barbie on January 23, 1992, his nephew Travis and his two brothers, David and Lynn.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.