Duane Chester Leschefske, 76, of Albert Lea, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, Nov. 5, 2010, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester from complications of pneumonia.

Duane was born on May 21, 1934 in Albert Lea, to Chester and Bernice (Schneider) Leschefske. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea and attended Albert Lea High School. Duane was united in marriage to Carol Lee May on June 10, 1956, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, Iowa. Together they raised five children. Duane proudly served in the United States Army as a quartermaster from 1957-1959, stationed in Fort Lee, Va., and again from 1961-1962, stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash. While in the military, Duane was a member of the U.S. Army Drill Team. Duane worked at Motor Inn Company as an automobile mechanic for 43 years until retiring in 1996. After retirement, Duane worked part-time for Albert Lea RV and Marine and Zetterholms.

Duane enjoyed camping, dancing, bowling, working on cars, traveling, photography, country western music, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. Duane particularly enjoyed yearly trips to Branson, Mo., and wintering in Arizona. Duane was a longtime member of the Coachman Caravan Club and was a Myre Big Island State Park campground host for 12 years.

Duane is survived by his wife Carol Leschefske of Allbert Lea; five children: Connie Adams (special friend, Todd) of Lake Mills, Iowa, Craig (Patti) Leschefske of Welcome, Curt Leschefske (special friend Jamie Stiffarm) of Albert Lea, Christy (Jeremy) Ferrington of Winona and Carri (Jamie) Renchin of Winona; six grandchildren: Jessica and Andrew Adams, Adam, Crystal, and Cody Leschefske and Isaac Ferrington; four great-grandchildren: Owen Flatness, Mason Christenson, Preston Adams and Trevor Adams; two sisters: Sharron (Vernie) Folven and Judy (Ron) DeLong; three sister-in-laws: Lois Schultz, Shirley (Gaylord) Olson and Mardell (Floyd) Mueller; three brother-in-laws: John May, Dennis (Sharon) May, and Ron May; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Duane was preceded in death by his infant son, Timothy Scott Leschefske; his parents: Bernice and Chester Leschefske; parent-in-laws: Clifford and Caroline May; brother, Maynard Leschefske; brother-in-law, Norlyn Erickson; nieces: Kimberly and Sherry Erickson; nephew, Allen Erickson; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Schultz.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. Dan Baker will officiate. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, and one hour before the service at the church. Military honors will be accorded.