Duane J. Rafteseth

Duane J. Rafteseth, 90, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Hawley Senior Living, Hawley, MN.

Duane was born on June 11, 1935, along with a twin sister, Delores, in Thief River Falls, MN, to Hjalmar and Nellie (Wiseth) Rafteseth. He grew up in Thief River, where he attended and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1953. He attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks from 1953 to October of 1955 when he entered the US Army. While at the University, he participated in various vocal music groups and played two years of basketball for the Sioux. While in the army, he served two years in the 709th MP Battalion at Frankfort, Germany. Upon completion of his military obligation, he attended Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MN, graduating with a B.S. Degree in Vocal Music and History. While at Moorhead State, he played two years of basketball and baseball and sang in the concert choir.

Duane married Maxine Yeager of Felton, MN, on December 12, 1956, in Moorhead, MN. His first teaching job was at Oslo, MN, from 1960 to June of 1963. He then taught vocal music in Morris, MN, until June 1, 1964, when he enrolled in a Master’s Degree Program at NDSU in Fargo, ND. He received his master’s degree in July of 1965 with a double major in School Administration and Counseling and Guidance. Duane was the High School Principal at Grove City, MN, from 1965 to 1967 when he assumed the Superintendent’s position. In August of 1973, he received a Specialist of School Administration Degree from North Dakota State University. In 1981, Duane and his family moved to Hawley, MN, where he served as Superintendent of School until he retired in June of 1993. He also worked at the Rapat Corporation in Hawley for 5 years as a personnel and shop safety coordinator.

Duane was an active citizen and extremely proud of every community in which he lived. He served as a church choir director, sang in various community choirs, and being a well trained and accomplished vocal soloist, he sang at many weddings, funerals, and special community concerts and events. He was a District and Regional Officer of the Minnesota High School Activities Association and served on the Meeker County Selective Service Board. He was a life-long member of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators. Along with his love of music, Duane was a very avid sports fan. He attended hundreds of sporting events, including boys, girls, college, and professional teams.

Duane is survived by his son, Bruce (Brenda) Rafteseth, Denver, NC; granddaughter, Keely Rafteseth, Charlote, NC; twin sister, Delores Harder, DeLand, FL; and many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Maxine; son, Brian Rafteseth; siblings, Merle (Ruth) Rafteseth and Ken (Darlene) Rafteseth; and brother-in-law, Otto Harder.

Service arrangements are pending.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Hawley Senior Living, 923, 5th Street North, Hawley, MN, 56549, and/or Hawley Lutheran Church, 510 8th Street, Hawley, MN, 56549.