Duane Thompson Boyum

Duane "Dewey" Thompson Boyum, 88, of Kasson, formerly of Winona passed away peacefully on July 15th at St Anne's Extended Care Facility in Winona.He was born Nov 17th 1925 in Lanesboro to Anne and Andrew O. Boyum. He was the youngest of 13 children. He attended school in Lanesboro and was active in basketball and played the trumpet. He married his high school sweetheart, Eilene Quarstad, on December 4, 1943 in Minneapolis. They were happily married for 67 years. Duane proudly served with the Merchant Marines during World War II. His first daughter, Kathy, was born while he was on active duty in 1944. After the war, he returned to Minnesota and moved his growing family to Winona where he had a delivery route for Sunbeam Bakery, eventually becoming supervisor. During that time he was an active member of Central Lutheran Church in Winona and was on several bowling teams. Three other daughters were born during this time: Ann, Susan, and Jill. Dewey and Eilene eventually purchased an IGA grocery store in Mabel, where he established a successful, long-running business. He and his wife retired from the grocery business in 1990. He was an active member of Mabel First Lutheran Church and enjoyed morning coffee with the local businessmen.Dewey relished time spent boating and waterskiing on the Mississippi River with his family. He loved traveling with Eilene attending IGA conferences in sunny climates, and spending time in Florida. In retirement, they established a winter home in Fort Myers, Florida and moved their summer home to Kasson. Duane is survived by his sister Vernelle Merrick; four daughters, Kathy Cook of Berthoud, CO, Ann Beisanz of Burnsville, Susan (Dr. Randy) Snell of Lewiston, and Jill (Steve) Hennes of Centerville; 12 grandchildren Joshua (Heidi) Cook, Dr. Benjamin (Megan) Snell, Emily (Dr. Paul) Block, Zachary Beisanz, Esq, Bradley (Kelly) Simon, Esq, and Rebecca (Damian) Simon, Jay (Nanami) Hennes, Jesse (Abby) Hennes, Kelsey (David) Schreiner, Kim (Scot) Lucht, Kerry (Tom) Lovlien, Chris Cook; 9 great-grandchildren, Lauren and Julian Snell, Isaiah and Elsa Block, Nicholas (Jill) Schrandt & children, Nathan (Amy) Schrandt, Marnie and Joseph Lovlien, and Kasey Cook. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Eilene, 11 brothers and sisters, son-in-law Roy Cook, and granddaughter Erin Hennes. A memorial service will be held at Central Lutheran Church, Winona, MN at 1 pm on Saturday July 19th with the Reverend Wade Davick officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service, military honors will be performed by the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post #9. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the American Cancer Society or a charity of one's choice. Hoff Celebration of Life Center - Goodview is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/509053