L. Duane Hjerleid was born on June 22, 1936, to Olga Victoria and Lloyd Andrew Sever Hjerleid in Blair, Wisconsin. He was born on the hottest day of the year in an upstairs bedroom, weighing in at 11 pounds. He lived and worked on the family farm outside of Blair with his family until he graduated Blair High School. After spending a year in college in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, he landed a job as a Journeyman Color Cameraman for Johnson Printing, and then set his sights on winning the heart of the love of his life, Carol Ina Bibby.
Duane and Carol were married August 22, 1959, and started their married life in Eau Claire. He was called into service as a Sharpshooter with the United States Army at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and was stationed at Fort Lewis Army Base in Washington State. Following his honorable discharge to the Army Reserve, Duane earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography and began his career working for the United States Department of Agriculture Food Stamp Program, from which he retired after 30 years of service. His career took the family from Eau Claire to Duluth, Minnesota; Marquette, Michigan; Milwaukee, Wisconsin and finally to Denver, Colorado.
He enjoyed numerous hobbies; including hunting, fishing, woodworking and building and competing with free flight model airplanes. He was a fine cabinetmaker and enjoyed classical music, painting, photography, cooking and baking. He loved learning about science, physics and mathematics.
Duane enjoyed immensely the times he and Carol went camping and fishing with their children, David and Karen. As a charter member of Abiding Hope Lutheran Church, Duane was on two building committees and was known as a man who could fix anything.
He was a kind man, which was a consistent trait even throughout his illness with Alzheimer’s disease. He always knew his family and close friends, told them he loved them, and made efforts to care for them until his death on April 25, 2023.
Duane was predeceased by his parents and sister. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; children (and their spouses) David (Margaret), Karen (David Toleman); grandchildren Michael and Luisa; and brother Gene (Linda).
Memorials in lieu of flower, may be sent to Abiding Hope Lutheran Church Music Ministry.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of L. Duane Hjerleid, visit the Tribute Store.
13
Jul
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80235
There will be Military honors.
5
May
6337 South Robb Way
Littleton, CO 80127
Services will conclude at the church.
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80235
