A time for friends and family to gather to celebrate the life of Duane C. McGuire was be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 from 4-7 at Friedrich/Bonnerup Funeral Home in New Richland. A private Memorial Service and interment with Military Honors will be held at St. Olaf Cemetery.
Duane was celebrating Christmas with his family in Missouri when he passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 surrounded by his children.
He was born on August 23, 1944, in Albert Lea, MN, the son of Murrel and Marjorie (Simonson) McGuire. He was confirmed at LeSueur River Lutheran Church and graduated from New Richland High School with the class of 1962.
He proudly served our country in the US Navy from 1964-1968.
His life was blessed with four children who he loved very much, Prycilla, Amanda, Joe and Lisa. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland.
Duane is survived by his children: Prycilla (Tim) O’Malley of Mankato, MN, Amanda (Corey) Brinkman of St. Louis, MO, Joe McGuire of New Richland, MN; grandchildren: Taylor and Mason O’Malley, Riley, Willow, and Shay Brinkman; brothers and sisters: Merlys (Wayne) Wenzel of New Richland, MN, Jerald (Jean) McGuire of Plainview, MN, Joyce Swenson of Blooming Prairie, MN, Brenda (Gordy) Ebnet of New Richland, MN, Renae McGuire of New Richland, MN, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Lisa in infancy, his parents, his brother Dennis and nephew Troy Wenzel.
When asked how his final statement should read, with his keen sense of humor Duane replied: “Other than my life in the Navy, my kids and my grandkids, all in all, it’s been a pretty lackluster life."
Duane mentioned his life being “lackluster” hmmm, “lackluster” let’s think about that phrase for a moment……………. Lackluster means…. the absence of shine….. It is true, Duane wasn’t flashy, loud, materialistic or boastful, but instead he was quiet, modest, hardworking, and humble. Duane didn’t desire to live an extraordinary life, but rather to live an ordinary one. He found comfort and strength in the life he chose.
This ordinary life of his let him experience the joy of sharing a bowl of popcorn with his kids. Appreciating the look on his kids face while they anxiously waited for his pancakes to be ready. The pure delight his children had when he fixed them his legendary crisp bacon with sliced buttered toast…(his kids are not sure why or how but his bacon and toast were the best). Moments like these are what Duane cherished. His children and grandchildren were all the riches he needed.
He showed his children how to laugh, cry, trust and love unconditionally. Duane taught them how to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. The touch of a baby’s hand, a child’s hug, the power of the words I love you and the pure joy of simply being called Grandpa.
Always remember Duane’s sense of humor, the sound of his laugh, his stubbornness, his perfect imperfections and never forget the love he had for his family. Duane’s life didn’t lack any luster…. his light shines brightly and lovingly through the family that he treasured.