Erik Martensen Duus

Erik Duus, 94, of Brainerd, passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Village in Pine River.

Erik Martensen Duus was born November 29, 1927, in Tyler, Minnesota to Einer and Ingeborg (Martensen) Duus.

Erik graduated from New London High School before attending Grand View Junior College in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. For one summer he studied Atomic and Nuclear Physics at Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, Ohio.

On August 3, 1951, he married Dagny Jessen of Lexington, Nebraska. They were blessed with three children: Ava (Dennis) Hintz, of Glen Ullin, ND; Daniel (Denice) Duus, of Prairie City, IA; and Mark (Marlyn) Duus, of Brainerd and six grandchildren: Shannon Duus, Mara Hintz, April Hintz Stenberg (Titus), Joy Duus, Melody Duus, and Jacob Duus.

Erik worked so he could play.  He taught math and science in several high schools; worked as a chemist for Northwest Paper Company (Potlatch); and worked for Burlington Northern Railroad.

In 1960, he began building his family a home; Erik and Dagny lived there the rest of their lives.

Erik loved to play tennis and go hunting with his sons. The family took many canoe trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. In the summertime, he took his family to many National Parks across the United States. He and Dagny also enjoyed 24 winters in Arizona.

Erik was preceded in death by his wife, Dagny and granddaughter, Jessica.

In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his sister, Zita and brother, Leif.

Memorials preferred to InterFaith Volunteers of Brainerd.

A Celebration of Erik’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 22, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Brainerd.  Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to services and to stay for a reception to follow.

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