Duane R. Haataja

Duane R. Haataja, born on 1-13-1958 to E. Rudolph and Jennie (Makinen) Haataja in Minneapolis, MN, and called to rest at age 63 on April 6, 2021 at St. Therese Nursing Home in New Hope after declining health.

Duane attended Patrick Henry High School and while there excelled in woodworking.  He won awards for his grandfather clock and bedroom dresser and chest.  After graduating in 1976, he attended Mankato State and graduated in 1980. He then served as airport manager in Fort Dodge, IA; LaCrosse, WI; Mason City, IA; and Cody, WY. He moved back to Minneapolis in 2002 and then was the building manager at the Hennepin County Minnetonka Library and North Point H&W Center before retiring due to health issues.

Duane is survived by his loving mother Jennie (his nurse and caretaker for many years); sister, Doris Hanson (Dan); brother, Tim (Judy); daughter, Amy Janovec (Bruce); son, Paul; grandson, Liam Haataja; nieces, Alanna Hanson, Denise Hanson and Andrea Dennis; nephew, Adam (Gina); and their children, Davion Smith Hanson, Kathryn Smith Hanson, Silas Abrahamson, Olivia Schraufnagel and Daniel (Danny) Hanson; step-granddaughter, Alicia (Nick) Fitzgerald; step-great-granddaughters, Keilani and Keiley; step-great-grandson Chase Janovec; special friends, Jim, Heidi, Linda and Eldon; many dear relatives.

Duane was preceded in death by his father, Rudy and grandparents, Henry and Waldena Makinen and Gustav and Anna Haataja.