Duane M. Thimjon, 86, of Wahpeton, North Dakota, passed away on October 26, 2025, following a brief battle with cancer. His funeral service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM, with Pastor Al Werth officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior.
Duane was born on August 2, 1939, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Gordon and Doris (Leshovsky) Thimjon. He grew up on the family farm north of Breckenridge and graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1957. Duane went on to attend the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, earning a degree in business in 1959. A talented athlete, he played baseball for the Wildcats, serving as co-captain in his second season while playing first base and pitching. His accomplishments earned him a place in the NDSCS Athletic Hall of Fame. Duane also played for the Breck-Wahp Twins and was a frequent weekend fast-pitch softball player in Great Bend. In the winter months, he officiated basketball games with the Wahp-Breck Officials Association.
Duane proudly served his country on active duty in the U.S. Army and later in the National Guard. After returning home, he moved to the Thimjon family farm in Summit Township, becoming the fourth generation to work the land. It was during this time he met Carol Bladow while playing baseball in Great Bend. The two were married on August 15, 1964, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton. Together, they raised two sons, Troy and Jay, who now represent the fifth generation to carry on the family farming tradition.
Throughout his life, Duane was deeply involved in his community. He was an original member of the Min-Dak Farmers Cooperative, a past director and agent for Home Mutual Insurance Company, a Summit Township Director, and a FFA Board Member. As a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Duane served on numerous boards and was active in American Legion Post 20.
Duane and Carol shared many wonderful years together at their Otter Tail Lake home and spent winters in Arizona, where Duane enjoyed golfing year-round. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family—especially attending games and activities with his sons and grandchildren. Duane had a lifelong love of sports, both as a player and an enthusiastic fan.
Duane will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Carol; sons Troy (Darla) and Jay (Andrea); grandchildren Tawny (Seth), Blaze (Rachel), Payton (Alex), Tylee (Reed), Mason, Kobe, and Riley; and great-grandchildren Kase and Randi. He is also survived by his brother Dale (Sonja) Thimjon,
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Doris Thimjon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to CHI Hospice or St. Catherine’s Living Center.
May he rest in peace.
