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.

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.

Services are pending with Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.