Duane Charles Austrum, age 79 of River Falls, WI, passed away November 16, 2020 at the Preferred Senior Living in Ellsworth.  Duane was born September 18, 1941 in River Falls, WI to Clarence and Emma (Overbye) Austrum.  He graduated from River Falls High School, with the Class of 1959.  In 1960, Duane was united in marriage to Sharon Bye.  Their marriage was blessed with three children, David, Steven and Vicki.  Duane worked for the Ford Motor Company for 31 years.

Duane was an outdoorsman who enjoyed the peacefulness of being in the woods deer hunting and on the water fishing.  He was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and delighted in cheering on his team.  After retirement, Duane enjoyed traveling.

Duane will remain in the hearts of his son, Steve (Laurie) Austrum of River Falls; daughter, Vicki (Neil) Plaistow of St. Paul, MN; 5 grandchildren:  Natalile, Nichole, Kristoffer, Kezia and Kylie; and 2 great-grandchildren, Hurlee and Charlotte.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; and son, David Austrum.

Private graveside services will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls (715) 425-5644.  www.oconnellfuneralservices.com