Duane Claude Plank

Duane C. Plank, 90, of Winona, MN, went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. He was a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, friend, and faithful man who loved the Lord.

Duane was born December 4, 1933, to the late Harold and Mildred (Williams) Plank in Eyota, MN.  He graduated from Chatfield High School in 1952. He served in the United States Army stationed in Fairbanks, AK, from 1954 to 1956. Often you would see him wearing his Army Veteran’s cap proudly yet humbly, not to draw attention to himself. In 1958, he met Norma (Sorenson) in Rochester, MN, on a blind date, during Norma’s training to become a Registered Nurse and they were married December 6, 1959. Duane worked as Head of Quality Control at Waters Conley Company, Inc. Rochester, MN, for many years. Eventually, his employment brought him and his family to Winona, MN. Once in Winona, Duane spent many years working at various companies including, Winona Industries and Kendall O’Brien Lumber Company. He retired from St. Mary’s University in 1999. He continued to keep busy in his garden where he grew all kinds of produce and flowers, from raspberries to cucumbers, which he truly enjoyed sharing with all.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Norma (Sorenson), daughters, Lisa (William) Swanson of Lakeville, MN; Lori (Michael) Meurer of Winona, MN; and Janel Schneider of Rochester, MN; son, Dale Plank of Winona, MN; grandchildren, Brittany (Andy) Meurer, Isaiah Meurer, Megan (John) Sedler and Benjamin Schneider. Also, survived by one brother, Earl Plank of Tacoma, WA and sister, Leah Bork of Onalaska, WI; sister-in-law, Rose Plank of Rochester, MN; brother-in-law, Ron Geiger of Denver, CO; sister-in-law, Barb (Eugene) Thomann of Littleton, CO; brother-in-law, Rodney Sorenson of Albert Lea, MN; sister-in-law, Karen (Marty) Johnson of Geneva, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by infant son, Kevin Wayne Plank; brother, George Plank; sister, Donna Ahern; sister-in-law, Peggy Sorenson and Mary Geiger; his parents; parents-in-law, Norris and Hildred Sorenson; and many loved ones who he’ll join in their heavenly home now.

A Funeral Service in memory of Duane will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 11am at Pleasant Valley Church (1363 Homer Rd, Winona, MN) with visitation beginning at 9:30am. Those who so desire may make donations in memory of Duane, Samaritan’s Purse International Relief (Samaritanspurse.org) is one of the many Christian organizations he strongly supported, or Pleasant Valley Church.