Duane Woldahl

Duane “Dewey” Woldahl, age 91, of Staples, Minnesota, passed peacefully into eternal life on March 21, 2026, at his home in Lakewood Manor, surrounded by family and friends.

Dewey was born on August 16, 1934, in Ashby, Minnesota, to Joe and Monte Woldahl. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, enlisting in 1954 and serving during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1957.

Following his military service, Dewey moved to Silver Bay, Minnesota, where he worked in construction. It was there that he met the love of his life, Mary Rittenhouse, while visiting her sister and brother-in-law. Their story began at a roller rink, where they skated their way into a beautiful courtship, leading to their marriage on December 27, 1958.

Dewey continued working in construction until he and Mary made the decision to move to northern Minnesota and start their own logging business. Working side by side, they built a successful life together and remained dedicated partners until selling the business in 1999. Never one to sit still, Dewey later went to work for Scandia Valley, where he worked in highway maintenance and at the recycling center. There, he formed many lasting friendships before fully retiring at the remarkable age of 89.

Dewey had a deep love for life’s simple pleasures. He and Mary enjoyed many different road trips around the country. He enjoyed golfing and especially cherished time spent on Fish Trap Lake, where countless pontoon rides were shared with friends and family. He and Mary were devoted to their many nieces and nephews and made it a priority to attend weddings and special occasions whenever they could. Together, they were known for their warmth, kindness, and the joy they brought to others. Dewey also had a special passion for cars, particularly Cadillacs.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary, who passed away on November 11, 2023; his parents, Joe and Monte Woldahl, and his brother Carl and sister-in-law Joyce.

He is lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, along with a wide circle of friends whose lives he touched.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Lakewood Manor and the many friends Dewey made there, who welcomed him and kept his days bright. Special thanks also to the VA Home Services Department for their compassionate care. A sincere thank you goes to his favorite restaurant, “The Spot,” and its wonderful staff, who treated him with such kindness and respect.

A celebration of Dewey’s life will be held in late April or early May, with details to be announced.

Dewey will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.