Duane M. Pilcher

Duane was born December 25, 1923, in East Chain, MN the son of F. Ernest and L. Mable (Nelson) Pilcher. He was raised and educated in East Chain where he was a 1942 graduate of East Chain High School. He worked on the family farm after high school and was married to Darlene R. Hall on December 28, 1945 at East Chain Lutheran Church. Duane stopped farming in 1961 and worked for Pilot Grove Lumber Company. He later began working for Schwens Ice Cream in Blue Earth. In 1967 the couple moved to Blue Earth. When Schwens Ice Cream closed, Duane began working with his son Steven at Pilcher Construction, retiring in 1989. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Brethern Church where he served on the trustee and elder boards. Duane loved music, whether it be singing in one of his quartets or listening to his family perform. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking, fishing and especially the numerous musical performances and sporting events of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Duane is survived by his wife, Darlene Pilcher of Blue Earth, his daughter, Pamela (& Frank) Lawatsch of Benson, his son, Virgil (& Susan) Pilcher of Waseca, his son, Steven (& Janine) Pilcher of Blue Earth, his son, Marc (& Diane) Pilcher of Faribault, two brothers-in-law, Ronnie (&Val)Hall, Dennis (&Connie) Hall, 10 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-Twilah Pedersen, grandson, Luke Pilcher,mother & father-in-law, Ray and Gladys Hall and sister-in-law, Wanda Larson and her husband Jim.