Duane Francis Blaufuss, 76

Duane Francis Blaufuss, 76, of Thompson, North Dakota, passed away on September 24, 2025, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

A celebration of life service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Norman Funeral Home in Grand Forks, North Dakota, followed by a graveside service at Resurrection Cemetery in East Grand Forks, Minnesota.  Military Honors will be accorded by members of the American Legion Post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the United States Navy Reserve.

Duane was born in San Diego, California, on March 21, 1949, but grew up in East Grand Forks, Minnesota.  He was a Machinist’s Mate in a Nuclear submarine and a Recruiter in Minneapolis as part of his service history with the U.S. Navy for 11 years. From stories shared, his most memorable time was on the USS Pollack (SSN-603). After Duane’s service, he moved to Illinois, where he worked for ComEd at the Quad Cities Nuclear Generating Station. He retired early, taking miscellaneous jobs, until a few years ago, when he decided to return to his North Dakota roots, living with his sister Celia in Thompson. He enjoyed riding his blue Harley Davidson motorcycle and had uncanny good luck playing bingo and slot machines.

He is survived by sons Daniel and David (Marissa); granddaughters Courtney and Lorelai; mother Vana Blaufuss; sisters Kandace Lloyd, Renae Brewer Kellum, and Celia Rosencrans; and chosen granddaughter TaeLynn. He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Blaufuss.

Friends and family are invited to Norman Funeral home on October 4 at 11:00 a.m. for the celebration of life service.

The online memorial registry may be signed at www.normanfuneral.com