Duane Wesley Schell , 75, Minot and formerly of McClusky, died on Friday, July 8, 2011 in a Minot hospital.

Duane was born on October 13, 1935 in McClusky Township of Sheridan County to George and Mildred (Diggins) Schell. He was reared and educated on the family farm and graduated from McClusky High School in 1953. As a young adult he assisted on the family farm. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 14, 1958 and served until his honorable discharge on May 13, 1960. Following his discharge he returned to McClusky before moving to Minot where he was employed by Westland Oil Company.

Duane married Clara Weber on June 18, 1960 in McClusky. They made their home in Minot where he continued his employment with Westland Oil and they were the proud parents of three children. He continued with Westland Oil/ Behm's 1960 until 1990. He owned and operated Velva Parts Center from 1993 until 1999.

Duane was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church - Minot where he served on the church council and as an usher. Also, he was a member of the Velva American Legion Post #39. He especially enjoyed playing softball, camping, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.

Duane's loving family includes his wife of 51 years Clara; children: Jeffrey (Julie) Schell of Rapid City SD; Gregory (LouAnne) Schell of Minot and Leanne Pepperworth of Brookings SD; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; sisters: Shirley Jorgensen of McClusky and Marilyn Gessele of Bismarck and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Arnold and Marvin and brothers-in-law: Mervyn Gessele and Norman Jorgensen.

Funeral Service: Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment will be in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, rural Mandan.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot.