Duane Steffens Fundraiser

Duane Steffens was born in raised in Wadena, MN in 1955. He graduated Wadena High School in 1974. After high school, he went on to earn his degree in physical education at Bemidji State University. Upon his graduation, Duane decided his calling was to work side by side with his dad, Clarence Steffens, in their business, Steffens Distributing. Steffens Distributing has been his passion, as he loves his customers and the business greatly.

After moving back to Wadena, Duane met Shelley Graveline, a young teacher who was starting her career out at St. Ann's in Wadena. They married in 1982. They welcomed two boys to their family, Kenny and Mitch Steffens. Kenny is a lineman for Lake Region Electrical Cooperative and Mitch recently joined the family business. These boys are Duane's pride and joy, along with Mitch's wife, Tasha, and Kenny's significant other, Tara Johnson . His favorite things to do with them are family pheasant hunts out of state, deer hunting , walleye fishing and teasing Shelley relentlessly.

Duane excels at building relationships with the people he meets. He is easily able to strike up conversation with anyone (especially if it revolves around the great outdoors). Duane has always had a generous personality has been very giving to organizations in his community.

This past spring Duane had not been feeling well and was rapidly losing weight. After several doctor visits in May, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer which has also spread to his lungs. Duane started receiving intense chemotherapy shortly after. Unfortunately, after several trips and unexpected extended stays at the Mayo Clinic, Duane's body is not responding to this nasty disease. Duane is now receiving hospice care in Menahga.

Because of Duane's illness, he has not been able to work and they have had numerous unexpected expenses come up. So many of he and Shelley's friends and family have reached out, asking how they can help. Duane's wishes are not to have a funeral, so we are setting this up for people to give if they so chose. Words of comfort and prayers are equally as welcome and encouraged in the next coming days ahead as we know they will be difficult for Duane, Shelley, Kenny, Tara, Mitch and Tasha. Thank you for your love and support!