Duane Eck Obituary

Duane "Slick" Eck, age 83, of Bagley, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Sanford Bagley Medical Center, surrounded by the care of those who loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. the Cease Family Funeral Home Chapel in Bagley, Minnesota. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at United Lutheran Cemetery in Berner, Minnesota at a later date.

Duane was born on February 27, 1942, in Bagley, Minnesota, to Everett and Clara (Stenberg) Eck. He was baptized in 1942 and later confirmed in 1954 at United Lutheran Church in Berner, Minnesota, where his faith and community remained important to him throughout his life. He attended school in Berner and Gonvick and remained deeply connected to the area he always called home.

Duane spent much of his life on the road and in the fields, doing what he loved-working hard and providing for his family. He hauled machinery for the pipeline, and hauled beets, and potatoes. He worked for the Red Lake DNR, Haugen's Farms, and Sabo's up north. Duane worked for many trucking companies, and later owned and operated his own trucking business. He also farmed beef cattle and took pride in honest, dependable work. After many years of dedication, he retired from trucking in 1997.

More than anything, Duane was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others. Through the Gonvick Lions Club and on his own, he gladly gave rides to people with disabilities to get to medical appointments, never asking for recognition. He quietly made a difference in many lives.

Duane enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved tending to his garden, playing cards, visiting with friends, and sharing stories. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family. Whether at home, around the table, or visiting with loved ones, Duane treasured every moment together.

Duane shared 56 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Kathryn. Their life together was built on love, hard work, laughter, and devotion to family. He was a proud and loving father to his daughters, Julie Eck of Bagley, Sheila Eck Anderson of Lakeville, and Emily Eck Lien of Bagley. He was their steady support, trusted advisor, and biggest fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Clara Eck; his brother, Arly Eck; and his infant brother, Baby Boy Eck.

Duane will be remembered for his gentle spirit, strong work ethic, generous heart, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished so deeply.

Messages of condolence may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.