Duane Darwin Melstrom, age 81 of Ellsworth, died on May 16, 2022 at the V.A Medical Center in Minneapolis. He was born to Edward and Ollie (Whipple) Melstrom on October 16, 1940 in Red Wing, MN. He was a 1958 graduate of the Ellsworth High School. He went on to join the United States Army in 1961.  He served at the pentagon for a brief period before being transferred to Vietnam where he served until 1964.  Duane married Nancy Freier in 1969, they later separated. After leaving the military he went on to become a truck driver, first driving over-the-road for various companies for a number of years, before starting for Holst Excavating, in the early 80’s where he drove dump truck for many more years before retirement.

Duane enjoyed yardwork on his property along the Trimbelle River, collecting antiques, working on classic cars, but most of all his grandchildren.

Duane is survived by his children, Jeanie Melstrom, and Edward Melstrom; grandchildren: Michael Boldt, Breck Melstrom, Lily Melstrom, and Sage Melstrom; brothers: Perry Melstrom, Dale (Marianne) Melstrom, and Donald Melstrom; brother/sister-in-laws: Bob Rosenow, Lois Melstrom, Mavis Melstrom, and Liz Melstrom. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas; parents, Edward and Ollie Melstrom; sister, Betty Rosenow; brothers: Glen, Royce, Charles, and Gary; sister-in-law: Beverly and Dorene; nephew: Peter Melstrom; and niece: Heidi Alama.

A Funeral Service will be at 2:00pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at Bethel Covenant Church: W8403 County Road KK Ellsworth, WI 54011. A visitation will be one hour prior. A visitation will be the night before from 5:30pm to 7:30pm Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services: 130 N Grant St. Ellsworth, WI 54011. The Kinni-Engelhart American Legion Post #204 will provide Military Honors. Burial will be in the Bethel Covenant Parish Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family.

Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation services of Ellsworth, www.oconnellfuneralservices.com, 715-273-4421