Duane E. Sondeland

Duane Sondeland, 79 of Fargo, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 6th, 2013 surrounded by his loving family at Eventide Care Center in Moorhead after fighting a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Duane was born March 21, 1934 in Grafton, ND to Elmer and Josephine (Misialek) Sondeland. He attended school in Grafton graduating from high school in 1952. Duane was a member of the ND National Guard from 1954-1960. He married Bonnie Duff of Hoople, ND on July 14,1956.

Duane started his career in the Ag business in 1955 as a bookkeeper at Nash Grain and Trading in Nash ND. He went on to manage grain elevators in Nash, and Davenport ND for the Peevy Elevator Company. In 1961, Duane joined the Schuler Grain Company and managed the Barney ND grain elevator. In 1969, he transferred to Breckenridge MN to begin his career as General Manager with Sigco Sun products, a title he held for nearly 30 years until his retirement in 1998. Duane was a member of the National Sunflower Association team that traveled to the Far East in 1982 representing confectionery sunflowers. In 1998, Duane received the NSA Sunflower Gold award. Duane and Bonnie moved to Fargo, ND in 2007.

Duane is survived by his wife Bonnie and three children: David (Darla) Sondeland Fargo, Julie (Dave) Rydell Fargo, and Debra (Pat) Nordick of Perham, MN; brother Lewis (Connie) Sondeland of Grafton, ND ; sister Marilyn (William) Ginder of Hoople, ND; sister Betty (James)Krueger of Indian Wells, California; nine grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Duane will be remembered for his smile, his positive attitude, and his kindness. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend to all who knew him. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all who were involved in Duane’s care, from his physician’s (Dr Gross, Dr Bier, Dr Hutchison, and all others), including every one of his wonderful caregivers at Sanford Health, Eventide and Hospice.

Duane's video tribute can be viewed at http://www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm