Duane Leland Fike

Duane L. Fike, age 83, of Moorhead, MN (formerly of Duluth, MN) passed away on June 2, 2025. Duane was born on March 14, 1942, to C. Lloyd and Evelyn (Rundgren) Fike and was the middle of seven children. He graduated from Moorhead High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Duane proudly served in both the US Air Force and the Air Force Reserves from 1960 to 1966. While serving, he married the love of his life, Carol Warner, on October 19, 1962, in Sisseton, SD.

By the time he received his honorable discharge, they had welcomed two children, Ron and Gail, with Todd joining the family a few years later. He and Carol raised their family in Duluth, MN, where he became known for his kindness and humor. He loved camping trips with his family and traveling with Carol. The two also enjoyed dancing, especially square dancing. Duane spent his days working with AT&T then Northwestern Bell, which later became US West, where he put in over 35 years with the company.

Though he knew nothing about the sport, Duane didn’t hesitate to coach Ron’s hockey team when no one else stepped up. He led their team from the number two team at the rink to the number one team. It was one of many examples of his willingness to serve others. That same competitive spirit showed up in other moments too. Duane loved a good game of cribbage and played in a league at the American Legion. He often bent the rules when playing with his grandchildren, always chasing a win and the reward of victory pretzels.

Family meant everything to Duane. He loved teasing and joking around with his many nieces and nephews. Duane especially treasured time with his great-grandchildren, whose laughter and energy brought him endless joy. He took great pride in each of them and loved being part of their lives. Above all, his deepest devotion was to his wife throughout their 62 years of marriage. Even in their later years, he visited Carol every day at the nursing home, faithfully joining her for lunch and dinner. His love for her was enduring and he never wavered in his desire to care for her.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents, C. Lloyd and Evelyn Fike; his brother Carroll Fike; and his sisters Darlene Baker, Joanne Jacobsen, and Shirlee Lahren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Fike; his three children: Ron (Tomi) Fike, Gail Fike-Price, and Todd (Karen) Fike; his six grandchildren: Ian (Christina) Fike, Bryce (Alissa) Fike, Darby (Cody) Njos, Kaitlin Fike, Jack Price, and Sean Price; and ten great-grandchildren. Brooklyn, Devin, Ella, Delilah, Peter, Benno, Elijah, Greta, Liam, and Hazel; his sister, Marlys Peters, and brother, Bruce (Eileen) Fike; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 11-1 p.m. followed by the memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead, MN.

Final resting place will be in Fargo National Cemetery.