Duane Steien
Duane Steien
Duane Steien, 76, of Melrose, passed away in Rochester, MN, June 5, 2026, leaving behind a world visibly brighter for his having been in it. He possessed an infectious enthusiasm for life and lived every day as an opportunity to share joy and make others smile. Beneath his wit and humor, was a heart of absolute gold, especially when it came to his family, friends and community.
Duane was born Aug. 14, 1949, at Black River Falls, WI, at Black River Memorial Hospital, to Margaret (Julson) and Helmer Steien. Most of his childhood was spent in Taylor, WI. He was baptized at the Upper Pigeon Lutheran Church and confirmed at Taylor Lutheran Church. He graduated from Taylor High School in 1967 and then attended barbering school at a technical college in Eau Claire. He married the love of his life, Joyce Stetzer, in 1973.
Duane worked for the Jackson County Highway Department and barbered in La Crosse, Taylor and Melrose. He was a member of the National Guard for seven years, the Jaycees, the Melrose American Legion and served on the Melrose Village Board, Volunteer Fire Department, and South Beaver Creek Church Council, for many years. Duane loved to spend time fishing, especially on Marsh-Miller Lake with family and friends. He loved sports, deer hunting, playing cards, playing pranks, having coffee, and talking with everyone.
He is preceded in death by both his parents, grandparents, brother-in-law Vernon Berg, brother Howard, two nieces and several cousins.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughters Sara Steien (Mike Dinos) and Dana Steien (Jeff Weatherhead); as well as four grandchildren, Sadie Weatherhead, Rafael Dinos, Britta Weatherhead and Sofia Dinos. He is also survived by his brother, Arlen (Carolyn) Steien; and sister Lois Berg of Taylor; brother-in-law, Gene (Marian) Stetzer of Melrose; and sister-in-law Joan Stetzer (William Behlmer) of Pewaukee, WI. He is survived by many nieces and nephews as well.
His family would like to thank his amazing medical care team at the Mayo Clinic, specifically Dr. Gonzalvez and Dr. Strand and the entire palliative care service.
While we will fiercely miss his humor, his enthusiasm and his Norwegian spirit, we will carry his love with us always.
The memorial service for Duane will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, at South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church. A visitation will be held Friday, June 12, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church. Visitation will continue Saturday at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in Melrose Cemetery.
Torgerson’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.