Duane Stephen Beltrand

 Duane (Du) Stephen Beltrand

age 86, scored his final touchdown in the ultimate end zone on November 16, 2024. Born on April 13, 1938, to Lorraine (Guimont) and Elmer Beltrand, he grew up in Dayton, MN as the eldest of eleven hard working farm children, a role that instilled in him a strong work ethic and sense of survival. Whether he was playing fullback or offensive/defensive tackle for the Elk River Elks, serving his country in the Army, working at a construction site or cheering on his grandkids at an athletic event, Du was known for his honesty and telling it like it was. His passion for Gopher football, fishing, scouting out the best meat markets, and sniffing out a good deal were the topic of many family gatherings. 

Duane did his end zone dance with the Seven Beltrand Angels: his parents, who probably put him to work on a field; his brothers, Steve, George, and Brian, who no doubt had a football game on for him to watch; his niece, Brigette Bistodeau, and his nephew, Joel Kurowski, who likely asked what took him so long.

On this side of heaven, Duane hands off to his faithful wife of 60 years, Peg (Margaret Dinneen), who undoubtedly earned her sainthood for keeping him in line all these years. He passes the playbook to his kids—Bryan (Wendy), Bruce (Shannon), Mark (Tib), and Kari (Scott) Harman—who have inherited his love of sports, fishing, cooking, and handiwork. His nine grandchildren—Avery, Robyn, Joe, Grace (Matt) Kreklow, Charlotte, Graham, Asher, Selah Harman, and Caleb Harman—will miss his jokes, his stories, and his front row seat at their life events. His great-grandkids, Jack and Bowen Kreklow, will grow up hearing tales of their great-grandpa’s one-of-a-kind humor and his deep love for Blue Bunny ice cream. His siblings LeNay (Jerry) Brostrom, Dwight (Jan), MarySue (Dale) Bistodeau, Sandra (John) Duerr, Glen (Donna), Jody (Jeff) Kurowski, and Darcy Brisbin, along with many nieces and nephews, will continue to choose the perfect cut of meat in his honor.

Since the Gophers haven’t been to the Rose Bowl in 62 years, we ask you to honor Duane by helping the team secure a 5-star quarterback who won’t go to another school in the transfer portal. You can also make a donation to Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 155 County Road 24 Wayzata, MN 55391. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Holy Name Cemetery immediately following mass.