DuAnn Frances Altman, 93 passed away suddenly and peacefully on March 11, 2022 at St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shakopee, MN.
She was born February 22, 1929, to Alois and Agnes Klaphake in St. Cloud, MN as the second of four children. Her family taught her the importance of faith in God, keeping a positive attitude and not being afraid of hard work. DuAnn graduated in 1947 from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. Her senior year classmates described her in their school paper as optimistic and friendly. She was quoted as saying, “I think life is wonderful except for a few occasions.” DuAnn fondly remembered her family visits to the farms of their relatives in Stearns County every Sunday. She enjoyed these large multifamily events spending time with her many cousins and their neighbors.
DuAnn and Gene saw each other at many of these gatherings. She didn’t pay much attention to him then, but he certainly had his eye on her. When Gene enlisted in the Merchant Marines, he asked DuAnn for her picture, and to write to him while he was away. When he returned, he tended bar at his parents’ establishment The Oasis . DuAnn took the job of coat checker there to be close to Gene. They were married in 1950. Because of the Korean War Gene was drafted almost immediately after the wedding.
DuAnn and Gene were blessed with a wonderful marriage and 5 children. DuAnn was caring and attentive to her family. Her cooking and baking skills made her home the choice for relatives on holidays. Her joy and loving faith were recognized by everyone around her.
The family lived in Golden Valley for almost 20 years and enjoyed going to the lakes, camping, and eventually building a cabin in northern MN which was only accessible by a mile boat ride across the lake. In 1973 the family moved to the bluff land near Jordan MN. Their family and grandchildren have many fond memories of them, gatherings at their home and having fun in the woods. Throughout her entire life DuAnn was an active volunteer in the community and their church. She and Gene developed many close friends wherever they lived. In 2000, DuAnn and Gene moved to Vero Beach, FL where they enjoyed the ocean and sunshine. DuAnn moved to St. Gertrude’s in Shakopee, MN after Gene’s death. The staff enjoyed her joyful spirit and gave her excellent medical attention with loving care.
DuAnn is survived by her children, David (Sharon) Altman, Ann Altman, Thomas (Brigid) Altman, Alan (Michelle) Altman, Jane (Tony) Ziebart; grandchildren, Christine (Ryan) Winkelman, Matthew Altman, Anna Altman, Marie (David) Flores, Benjamin (Mona) Altman, Katelyn (Steven) Kerchner, Aleah (Josh) Remmer, and Zachary Corsi; siblings, Gerald (Jackie) Klaphake, Karen (Larry) Odegard; and many great-grandchildren and other loving relatives and friends. DuAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Alois and Agnes Klaphake; and her sister, Virginia (Elmer) Winter and a great-grandchild.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan, MN on Thursday, March 31, 2022 beginning at 11:00 AM. Father Neil Bakker will preside and Father James Van Doren, OFM Conv will act as concelebrate. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM at the church prior to Mass.
Family and friends who can’t attend in-person are invited to live stream the service at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/c/SJBJordan
