Duane Kuechle, age 59, of Jordan, MN, sadly left his family unexpectedly on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee, MN.
A visitation honoring Duane will be on Friday, October 8, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 West First Street, Jordan and on Saturday, October 9,2021 from 10-10:45 AM, with a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11:00 AM, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. The family is requesting masks to be worn. Father Tom Walker will preside. Pall bearers will be Alex Kuechle, Anthony Kuechle, Darren Hampton, Jamie Swecker, Kevin Swecker, Mike Swecker, Paul Robling and Rich Riesgraf. Family and friends unable to attend the service in-person are invited to stream the service at the following link: St. Michael’s Youtube . He will be laid to rest at St. Joe’s Catholic Cemetery, in Jordan. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Duane’s honor by his family.
Albert and Bernice (Mechtel) proudly announced the birth of their first child Duane Alexander, born on January 5, 1962, in New Prague, MN. His parents brought him home to the family farm in rural Jordan, where Duane became the fourth generation now caring for God’s land and animals. He and his younger sister, Corrine spent countless hours working side by side with their parents on the daily tasks and chores. Through the years, Duane learned numerous valuable skills from his dad. Such as, how to build structures on the farm, how to weld, and how fix just about anything. He was meticulous, detailed orientated and organized. Duane had a broad spectrum of knowledge that kept him grounded and a great view on common sense and in check with reality.
Duane attended St. John’s Catholic School through the sixth grade and completed his education at Jordan High School. After graduating in 1980, Duane returned to dedicating his life as a farmer. It was at Rich and Sharon Pauly’s wedding; he was introduced to Keri Swecker (unbeknown was a neighbor just under two miles away.) The moment she saw him walk across the dance floor, Keri knew Duane would be the love of her life. On October 21, 1995, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Jordan, they were united in marriage. The newlyweds settled in a home on the farm, where they raised two incredible boys, Alex and Anthony.
Duane’s passion in life was farming! That was his life, and he was very proud of his accomplishments, especially having Alex and Anthony represent the 5 th generation of farmers. Duane passed down to his boys, the same values, and traits he learned from his father. In 2014, Duane and his family sold the dairy cows and transitioned into raising Angus Beef. Needing to keep busy, Duane accepted a position with Mystic Lake as a heavy equipment operator. His farming skills were quickly noticed and soon Duane was also working in maintenance, snow plowing and accomplishing other tasks, He was very proud of his work and excelled at his job. He was a like a diamond in the rough. In recent years, Duane went into partnership with Alex and looked forward to working side by side for decades.
Duane’s deep love for animals went well beyond his girls (the cows.) He loved the companionship of his dogs and cats and always vowed to never have animals in the house. Well, this rule eventually was broken and relished the cuddle times with the cats in his lap. For their 25 th wedding anniversary, Duane purchased a Corvette for Keri. They had hopes and dream of traveling and having fun, for they deserved it for all the years of dedicating their life to the farm. They even joined a Corvette Club.
The last several years, Duane was embracing his new life by traveling, trying new adventures, and eating out. He was looking forward to continuing to build the legacy of the Kuechle farm. Duane was driven, hardworking, loyal, and honest. He was patient, kind and loved being with people. Duane had a great sense of humor, love bantering with his sons and loved everyone unconditionally.
Forever missed, Duane will be forever loved by wife, Keri; sons, Alex, Anthony; sister, Corrine (Darren) Hampton; niece, Kate Hampton; many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, aunts, and uncles.
