Duane Waaraniemi

The funeral service for Duane Waaraniemi of Menahga will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, at the Laestadian Lutheran Church in Menahga, Minnesota. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with an evening service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Balmi Cemetery in Wolf Lake, Minnesota. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You are invited to listen online to Monday's funeral service via the church’s website: https://www.llcmenahga.org/listen-online.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Duane Peter Waaraniemi, age 75, passed away peacefully at his home in Menahga, MN, on August 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. Duane was born on September 27, 1950, in Minneapolis, MN, to John and Viola (Nelson) Waaraniemi. He was the third oldest of 13 children. Growing up in north Minneapolis, he developed a strong work ethic early in life, delivering newspapers on his bicycle and carrying that determination throughout his life. He was known for his quick wit and loved joking that he was so smart he dropped out of school in 10th grade. On April 6, 1974, Duane married the love of his life, Carol Keranen. They shared 52 years of marriage and raised eight children. Duane dearly loved his family and took great pride in providing for them. He found his calling as an over-the-road truck driver. His career took him to 47 of the lower 48 states, but home was always his favorite destination. His family treasured the phone calls from truck stops across the country and eagerly awaited the sight of his semi coming up the road. Duane will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, loyal heart, and deep love for his family. He greeted his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews with "Hey, kid," and never let anyone leave without saying, "Love you, kid." He enjoyed playing guitar and harmonica, riding his Harley, and spending quiet moments at the kitchen table with those he loved. Duane was a faithful member of the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Menahga. In March 2025, he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Throughout his illness, he faced each day with unwavering faith and peace, often saying, "Both outcomes are good," trusting God whether He was healed on earth or welcomed home to Heaven. Surviving Duane are his loving wife, Carol; children, Jana (Robert) Raisanen, John, Kelly (Jason) Haugen, Sally, Laura (Sean) Wachsmuth, Anna, Keith, and Kayla; grandchildren, Jake, Ella, Sylie, Nelson, Everett, Sydni, Finn, Clay, Liam, Karson, Eddie, and Bodie; siblings, Kathy Helmke, Neil (Ruth), Paul (Diane), Mark (Kathy), Ray (Leanda), Keith (Kathy), Ann, Dan (Marjo), and Ruth Potter; in-laws, Hannah Keranen, MaryAnn Haverinen, Robert (Nancy), Arnold, Kenneth Arvola, Jean (Les) Huhta, Helen Lazur-Rath, Glenn, Annette (Ralph) Kilpela, and Randy (Sheila); and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Viola; stepmother, Esther; brother, John; sisters, Jean Ylitalo and Lisa Pamela; parents-in-law, Henry and Hilda Keranen; eight brothers-in-law; and five sisters-in-law. Though his family mourns his passing, they rejoice knowing his faith has become sight. His truck is finally parked, he is home, and his familiar farewell will live on in the hearts of those who knew him: "Love you, kid."

Duane Waaraniemi

September 27, 1950 - August 3, 2026