September 1941 – Monday, November 11, 2013
Service Information
St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, MN
Saturday, November 16, 2013
2:00 P.M.
Visitation Information
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN
Friday, November 15, 2013
4-8 P.M.
Adrian Bennett Charles Duske, age 72, of Waverly, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2013, at the Good Samaritan Society, Howard Lake.
Adrian was born on September 24, 1941, in Minneapolis, the son of Otto and Alta (Nelson) Duske. He was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Montrose and confirmed at the Waverly Presbyterian Church. Adrian graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1959, and was a 1960 graduate of Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis in the field of auto mechanics.
On May 5, 1962, Adrian and Anita Martha Rokke were joined in holy marriage at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. God blessed their marriage with four children: Marjorie, Michelle, Melanie and Adrian, Jr.(Ben).
Adrian was employed in several occupations over the course of his life. He worked as an auto mechanic at two Oldsmobile dealerships in Minneapolis. He and Anita owned and operated a Mac Tool franchise. Adrian was a dairy herdsman for Ralph Douglas and John Varner. He drove a school bus for Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted schools and said the best part of this job was being surrounded by young children. He encouraged them and they respected him. Years ago, Adrian and Anita also raised sunflowers near Newfolden in Marshall County, Minnesota.
Adrian lived in Waverly for most of his life and was passionate about serving his community. He was Mayor of Waverly for fourteen years (1971-1984), and was also a city council member. He served as Chairman of the Waverly Planning and Zoning Commission for fifteen years (1997-2011), as a fireman with the Waverly Fire Department for sixteen years (1970-1986), and as an election judge for Waverly and for the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted school district for many years. Adrian and Anita were active in several civic organizations, including the Waverly Boosters Club and the Waverly Snowmobile Club; and Adrian was a charter member of the Waverly Gun Club, as well as a member of the Waverly Sportsmen’s Club. He was also an enthusiastic HLWW Laker fan.
Adrian had many hobbies – using his hands and his mind – and it made him happy to figure out how things worked. He grew up in the Boy Scouts, and enjoyed hunting, camping and the outdoors with family and friends. Adrian played the trombone; and he and Anita entertained their children with beautiful duets on long car trips, singing songs such as, “Down By the Old Mill Stream” and “You Are My Sunshine.” Adrian loved to read in a wide variety of subjects, particularly American history. His interest in the Civil War led him to become a Union Army re-enactor with cannon, mortar and small arms with friends in Waverly, the New Ulm Battery and the 1st Minnesota Light Artillery.
Adrian loved railroad trains – particularly steam engines – and was proud of his O-gauge Lionel Train collection. He, Anita and their children also had many beloved pets over the years, including Rex, their first dog together for whom they moved because their landlady wouldn’t allow pets.
Adrian is survived by his loving wife, Anita; four children: Marjorie Duske of Alexandria, Virginia; Michelle (Pat) Heuer of Waverly; Melanie Duske of Howard Lake; and Adrian (Rachel) Duske, Jr. of Waverly; six grandchildren: Meghan Williams, Jessica and Nathaniel Heuer, Jakob, Leo and Eva Duske; his sister, Martha (David) Smith of Rockledge, Florida; his sisters- and brothers-in-law: Marilyn (Dennis) Gray, Naomi (Dennis) Winkelmann, and John (Denise) Rokke; and many other family and friends.
Adrian was preceded in death by his parents; his wife’s parents, Arnold and Alyce Rokke; aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends.
Casket bearers are Guy Berry, Jr., David Berry, Daniel Chaffins, Gordon Chaffins, Clifford Duske, Keith Duske, Steven Duske, Sr., and James Francis.
Honorary casket bearers are Adrian’s grandchildren, his brothers-in-law, and his many, many dear friends and extended family.
Visitation and a prayer service for Adrian were held on Friday, November 15 at the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minnesota.
His funeral service was on Saturday, November 16 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake.
In lieu of flowers, Adrian’s family requests that memorials be directed to the Waverly Fire Department or St. John’s Lutheran Church. His family will also make a gift in Adrian’s honor for the beautification of Waverly. Burial will be at a later date.
Anita, Ben and all the family,
Dave and I are so sorry to hear of Adrian’s passing. He was a great person and we are fortunate to have known him, even if it was for too short of a time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your husband, Adrian. May God Bless and Keep You. He is now at peace and with his Lord and Savior. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Anita and Family; I am saddened to read of Adrian’s passing. He taught me so much when I came to Lupient in 1977. Blessings to you.
Doug Kraft
We are so sorry to hear of Adrian’s passing. We will keep your family in our prayers, and Waverly lost a great man.
So sorry to hear about your loss, my prayers are with you all.
So sorry to hear about your loss, my prayers are with you all.
We are so sorry for your loss. God bless you Anita and your family. May the good Lord give you strength and peace. Adrian is now in a better place where their is no more pain or sorrow. Love you much. You are in our prayers.
Marjorie;
Thinking about you and your family and praying that God will comfort you during this time of sadness.
Rick and I are sorry to hear of Adrian’s passing. Our prayers are with you during this time.
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. May the peace of the Lord be with you all during this sad time.
With love,
Pat Anderson and the FGR staff
Sending our deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. May you rest in the peace of our Lord at this sad time.
Dear Anita and family; So sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of you and your family. Praying for you. Love, Karen Seth
Michelle, I’m so sorry about the loss of your Dad and pray that his memories will carry you through this most difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Bridget Welter, WNINS
Anita and all the family;
Sorry to hear of Adrian’s passing. I’ll miss Adrian’s special brand of humor. From the time he offered his sympathies when he heard I was going to marry Betty, to his comments on the waste of a good handle when seeing Betty choke up on a hammer.
Prior commitments will keep me away, but my thoughts and prayers will be with you.
By the way, Betty has her very own hammer, with a 6″ handle. Thanks Adrian.
Anita and children – so sorry to hear of Adrian’s passing. He was a true gentleman and will be missed by many.
Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss. Find comfort in knowing he is at peace.
My deepest sympathy to all your family.
He will be missed.