Obituary for Duane Thomas Sermon

Duane Thomas Sermon Born: July 1, 1933 – Portland, Oregon Died: June 9, 2026 – Coon Rapids, Minnesota

On the morning of Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Duane entered peacefully into the arms of Jesus, his Lord and Savior, surrounded by loving family members.

Early Life and Education

Duane was born to Harold Howard Sermon and Elsie Anne (née Young). His early childhood was difficult and held many challenges, but at around eight years old he went to live with his grandparents, Robert C. and Louise J. (née Melms) Sermon, in Duluth, Minnesota. Their home became a place of stability, affection, and direction—shaping the man he would become.

He attended Denfeld High School, where he met his future wife, Alethe Nelson, at an inter-school dance with the cross-town rival Central High School. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Duluth, Duane and Alethe were married on September 8, 1956, at First Lutheran Church in Duluth.

Service and Career

Duane served his country as a pilot in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1962. Following his service, he earned a master’s degree in counseling from Mankato State University.

He soon accepted his “dream job” with the State of Minnesota in vocational rehabilitation—first as a counselor and later as an administrator. He found deep purpose in helping people discover their abilities, regain confidence, and build meaningful lives. His work changed countless futures.

Faith and Spiritual Life

Jesus had done a quiet but powerful work of mercy and grace in Duane, especially considering his rough early childhood. Faith became a steady, guiding presence throughout his life.

As a family, they were in church every Sunday and always paused to say grace before meals. When Billy Graham was on television, Duane made a point to watch, reminding his children that the message of salvation mattered deeply.

Though he carried his faith privately and did not speak of it often, he read widely on spiritual topics. And when you did get him talking, his depth of thought and genuine engagement made it clear how seriously he took his walk with God.

Hobbies, Joys, and Passions

Duane was a man of many interests and simple joys—quiet pursuits that reflected his curiosity, creativity, and deep love for the outdoors. He cherished his time at the lake cabin, where he was at home working outside and soaking in the beauty of nature. Many hours were spent with his boys, teaching his boys how to clear trees, cut and split wood, ride and repair bikes, “hunt agates,” and, of course, how to fish! He even taught them how to catch their own bait—seining for minnows in the shallows or searching for night crawlers late at night with flashlights in hand. Fishing was one of his great pleasures. Although on days when the fish were not biting, he would often growl, “There ain’t no fish in this lake!” Whether the fish were biting or not, it was treasured time on the water spent with him. He also had a fondness for agate hunting, walking the gravel roads around the cabin with a keen eye for hidden beauty. He polished the stones we found, turning rough edges into something smooth and shining. His love for the outdoors became a legacy he passed on to his children.

Rainy days at the cabin were never wasted; they became treasured times of table games, laughter, and friendly competition. His love for games continued throughout his life, a simple joy that brought people together.

Later in life, he surprised and delighted his family by taking up quilting, crafting quilts for his grandchildren with the same steady hands that once fixed bikes and chopped wood.

Duane also had a deep love for dancing—a passion that began in high school and grew into something remarkable. In the early 1970s, he and Alethe discovered square dancing and later round dancing, becoming so skilled that they were the envy of their many dancing friends. They traveled often to dance conventions, always taking time to enjoy the beautiful sights along the way.

Travel and Adventure

Duane loved traveling with Alethe and the boys, and many of the family’s most cherished memories were made on the road together. He delighted in discovering new places, taking in beautiful landscapes, and sharing the adventure with those he loved most.

One especially memorable trip was the family’s journey to Mount Rushmore, made in the heat of summer in a car without air conditioning—a story that became part of the Sermon family lore. Other treasured travels included trips to California and Arizona, highlighted by the time the car broke down on the way to the Grand Canyon, turning an inconvenience into a story retold with laughter for years to come.

As he and Alethe grew in their love for dancing, travel became woven into that passion as well. They attended numerous square dance and round dance conventions, often traveling with close friends. These trips blended their joy of dancing with the pleasure of sightseeing, creating a rhythm of friendship, movement, and discovery.

Duane also had a deep appreciation for the beauty of national parks, and he and Alethe visited many over the years. Among all the places they explored, Banff in Canada stood out as a particular favorite—a place whose grandeur and serenity matched the things he loved most: nature, beauty, and time shared with the people he cherished.

Family

Duane is survived by his sons: 
• Duane (Dawn) Sermon, Jr. — grandchildren Faithful (Anthony) Sermon-Vardaman & Josiah (Lainey)
• Bob (Karen) Sermon — grandchildren Brad & Greg (Taylor)
• Russ (Rebecca) Sermon — grandchildren Joy & Josh
• He is also survived by several great‑grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, his brother Thomas Duane Sermon, and his loving bride of 38 years, Alethe Ruby Sermon (née Nelson). He was also preceded in death by his second wife, NancyJo Kolkind (née O’Connor).