Duane R. Smith, 97, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Monday, July15, 2019, at Our House Memory Care in Austin.

Duane was born on Feb. 15, 1922, in Rock Dell Township, Olmsted County, Minnesota, to Noel and Olga (Thorson) Smith. He attended country school in Olmsted County. On Oct. 23, 1948, he was united in marriage to Darlene Jeglum at East St. Olaf, Rock Dell, Minnesota. After marrying, the couple lived in Rochester, Minnesota, and moved to Austin in 1951. Duane was enlisted in the U.S. Fifth Army in Italy and proudly severed his country in World War II. He worked for 33 years in the meat-processing department at Hormel. Duane was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran

Church, where he ushered for 56 years. Duane loved the outdoors, including fishing and hunting. He was always helpful to others in their time of need. Duane will be dearly missed by his friends and family.

Survivors include two sons, Lee (Cindy) Smith of Austin and Eric Smith of Orono, Minnesota; one sister, Carol (Bob) Bartel of Rochester; one brother, Jim (Patricia) Smith of Salem Township, Olmsted County, Minnesota; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Noel and Olga Smith; wife, Darlene Smith; and son, Randy Smith.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 29, 2019, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Mark Niethammer officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery in Austin. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.