Duane Richard Kaurin

Duane Richard Kaurin was born on June 9, 1937 to Robert E. & Jessie (Guthrie) Kaurin, in Lewistown, MT. On June 7, 2020, he passed away at the age of 82 due to multiple ongoing health issues. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 4th, 2021 at Redeemer Lutheran Church at 11AM. A picnic luncheon is to follow at Elks Riverside Park, 501 River Drive N.

Duane attended Fergus High School, graduating in 1955, then enlisted in the US Navy as a Radioman & choir member. Honorably discharged following  four years of service, he held jobs working alongside his parents & brother as co-owners of the Gem Cafe and serving as a police officer for 5 years in Lewistown. In 1963, he married the love of his life, E. Arlene (Swope) & started a family. They moved in 1972 with their four children to Great Falls to join his father as a commission agent for Intermountain/Greyhound Bus Transportation. Later, Duane worked as an on-the-road salesman for Weismans & Sons, then in housekeeping at Benefis Hospital, continuing on as a volunteer after retirement. 

Serving was second nature to Duane, as demonstrated by his contributions to the Boy Scouts of America, Redeemer Lutheran Sunday School, Church Council  & Senior Choir, Kogudus Prison Ministry, and CASA-CAN advocates. He also took pleasure in cooking for others as well as caring for his mother, then mother-in-law in their senior years. 

Duane enjoyed camping & fishing with his family, reading to learn, gardening, and going for country back-road car rides & to concerts with Arlene. He was very proud of & enjoyed his children & grandchildren; throwing birthday parties, telling stories, & teasing them mercilessly. He made a point of teaching his children to change a tire & the oil in a car, finish a job well done, and how to love unconditionally. Throughout the years, he had several cherished dogs & cats. He would often be seen sitting with one hand on the head of his current pet as he relaxed or sneaking it a treat. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Arlene Kaurin; sons Kevin (Sheila), Darryl (Shelley), and Gregory (Meta) Kaurin; daughter Delene (Kevin) Hollingworth and six grandchildren.

Donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 332 Riverview 3 W, Great Falls, MT 59404, or to a charity of your choice.

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