Duane Schmeichel, 78, Minot, died Monday, January 1, 2018, at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, TX.

Duane was born June 8, 1939, in Minot, ND, to Gustave Herman and Thelma Lola (Hunter) Schmeichel. He grew up in Minot and as a young man assisted his father with the operation of his Standard and Mobil service stations. He graduated from Minot High School in 1957.

Duane joined the U.S. Marine Corps January 16, 1958. He served stateside and overseas in Okinawa, Japan. He earned an honorable discharge January 13, 1961 at the rank of Corporal E-4.

Duane was joined in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Lois Schmidt, on October 10, 1959. Following his military service, he returned to Minot and gained employment with Northwestern Equipment and later Butler Machinery, traveling across the state as a heavy equipment mechanic. In 1973, Duane and Lois purchased the Avis Rent A Car franchise in Minot. A few years later they purchased the Avis franchise in Grand Forks and then started an Avis operation in Williston. They retired in 1981 with the sale of all three franchises.

Duane and Lois loved traveling together, often in their motorhome. They were fortunate to visit all 50 states, in addition to traveling to many foreign destinations. They spent winters in South Texas from 1989 to present.

Dewey's hobbies included restoring old cars. His pride and joy was the 1939 Packard seven passenger touring sedan that he used in both his daughters' weddings. He also enjoyed playing golf and was a past member of the Board of Directors for the Souris Valley Golf Course Men's League. Woodworking and building furniture kept him busy in his later years. Meeting at Minot's Hardee's Restaurant each morning to discuss the news of the day with his coffee buddies was also something he really enjoyed.

Duane was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot.

Duane is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Lois Schmeichel, Minot; daughters, Shelly (Jon) Sauer of The Woodlands, TX and Jodi (Mark) Anderson of Minot; grandsons, Andrew (Marissa) Sauer, Devin Sauer and Carter Anderson; granddaughter, Brittany Anderson; great granddaughter, Emma Sauer; sister, Doris (Eldon) Hill of Northfield, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Autumn Anderson; sisters, Joyce Macy and Phyllis Stahl; and brother, Robert Schmeichel.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2018, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.
Visitation: Thursday, January 11, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or MD Anderson Cancer Center.