Duane Hamele

Duane Hamele, age 94, of Broomfield, Colorado, formerly of Norcross, Minnesota passed away Friday, August 7, 2026 in Broomfield.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman, Minnesota with Rev. Cheryl Berg officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Herman, Minnesota.

Duane Hamele, born September 4, 1931, was a lifelong resident of Norcross, Minnesota, where he spent more than 50 years farming and building a life centered around family, friends, faith, and the land he loved. In the last three years of his life, Duane made his home in Broomfield, Colorado, with his son and family.

Duane was a kind and genuinely well-liked man who never seemed to meet someone he wouldn't engage with. He was always quick with a joke, a good story, or a smile, and those who knew him will remember his easygoing nature and the way he made people feel welcome.

Farming was a major part of Duane's life for more than five decades. He also believed in giving back to his community, serving on both the Co-op Board and the church board.

Outside of farming, Duane loved the outdoors. Fishing was a particular passion, and he enjoyed fishing throughout Minnesota as well as trips to Canada and Alaska. He hunted deer near Nevis, Minnesota, and later enjoyed hunting in Colorado with his son, Shawn. He also had a special fondness for picking wild asparagus—both to enjoy himself and, perhaps more importantly, to give away to family and friends. Duane also enjoyed golfing, often playing at Tipsinah Mounds in Elbow Lake.

Duane was proud of his Norwegian roots and thoroughly enjoyed the foods that came with them, especially lutefisk, lefse, and Limburger cheese. These were more than just foods he liked; they were part of the traditions and heritage he enjoyed sharing with others.

Duane is survived by his son, Shawn Hamele; daughter-in-law, Jacquelyn Hamele; granddaughter, Ava Hamele; and grandson, Owen Hamele. He is also survived by his nieces, Sue Anderson and her husband, Jim, and Jill Melby, as well as Jill's sons, Josh and Nick Rivers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Amanda Hamele, and sister Ardell Sporleader and her husband Paul.

Duane leaves behind a lifetime of memories—of farming, fishing, hunting, family, faith, good food, wild asparagus, golf, and countless jokes and stories. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Duane lived a good life, worked hard, loved his family, enjoyed the outdoors, and never lost his sense of humor. He will be remembered with great affection and missed by many.