DUANE ALLEN MINDEN

Our beloved Husband, Dad, and Papa passed away on November 13 at Aspen Park of Cascadia in Moscow. Duane Allen Minden, 78, was the firstborn of Lester Allen and June Elaine (Rice) Minden on May 15, 1947. He was joined by brothers Ron, Alvin, and Rick, and sister Sharon.

Duane was raised on Hatter Creek in Princeton, Idaho. In his growing-up years, he belonged to the Hatter Creek Country Cousins 4-H club and was a lifetime member of the Cayuse Kids Saddle Club. Duane attended school in Peck and Potlatch, graduating in 1965. He played football and baseball and was part of the infamous gang known as “The Damn Mindens”.

He liked to hunt with his hounds, and fish – a passion he shared with his father, Lester; but his true love was horses. He spent countless hours in the saddle, and the bonds he formed with his animals was one of the highlights of his life. His mom, June, told of how he grew up with a lariat in his hand, roping fence posts, hay bales, dogs, chickens, and most often his brothers!

He enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served from 1966–1969, spending his service time in Crailsheim, Germany. He served both as a medic and a mechanic in the motor pool. Duane was an E5 Specialist when he was honorably discharged.

He married Jo Lazelle on July 18, 1970, and immediately became dad to Keri. They made their home on West Cove Road. Becoming a parent was one of Duane’s greatest joys. He loved his children – Keri, Chad born in 1971, and Brad in 1977, and instilled in them honesty, respect, and a strong work ethic, always laced with love and humor. He taught his kids to ride horses and then hauled them all over the country to compete, cheering them on every step of the way.

Duane loved kids, and they loved him – probably because he was usually the biggest kid in the room! He conspired with the kids to open presents early at Christmas, and was always ready to be part of whatever game was at hand. That love extended far beyond his own family. He coached T-ball through high school baseball and never missed a sports activity or event his children and grandchildren participated in. He was an avid fan of Potlatch Athletics, Gonzaga basketball, the Mariners, the Seahawks, and PRCA rodeo.

Duane worked many jobs over the years, with his final and longest being 20 years at the Palouse Mall. It was a perfect fit—he was a people person who never knew a stranger. Everywhere he went, someone struck up a conversation with him. He had a twinkle in his eye, a quick smile, a joke to tell, an infectious laugh, and a wonderful sense of humor.

Over the years he raised a lot of good horses and cattle. The creek by the house could be dangerous during calving season and there are many memories of rescued calves being warmed by the wood fire in the living room and later the shop.

For two summers, he and his son Brad worked for Roth Farms and Jim Fredrickson Farms. Every day they came home with new tales to tell. Duane always said those were two of the best summers of his life.

Before health issues, Duane enjoyed riding horses, camping, 4-wheeling, and dancing. He was the best dancer. Above all, he loved his family and took immense pride in being a papa. He was so proud of the grandkids and all their accomplishments – big and small. After his health conditions started impacting daily living, he remained quick with a smile, kind to those around him, and never lost his sense of humor.

The family would like to thank the employees of Aspen Park for their exceptional care and kindness to Duane. They truly became part of our family.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents Lester and June Minden; grandparents William and Elsie Minden and Arthur and Mae Rice; and son-in-law Leon LeForce.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jo; daughter Keri (Paul); sons Chad (Carrie) and Brad (Heidi); grandchildren Savannah, Allyson, Shasta, Taylor, Kalli, Brooklyn, Casey (Abigail), Cody, and Gage; brothers Ron, Alvin, and Rick (Davalee); sister Sharon Moore (David); and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

It’s hard to describe in words the impact of a life or the measure of a man after he’s gone. There’s so much more to that life than what can be summed up in a few paragraphs, but Duane will live on in the hearts and memories of those whose lives he touched. We are sad that he’s gone, but forever grateful for how he lived.

Duane’s service will be on January 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Princeton Nazarene Church.

Donations in memoriam may be made to:
• Cayuse Kids Saddle Club, P.O. Box 152, Princeton, ID 83857
• Potlatch VFW, P.O. Box 121, Potlatch, ID 83855

“When someone becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.”

Kramer Funeral Home, Palouse, WA is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.kramercares.com

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