Kenneth Wray Deuel, 62, of rural Eagle Bend, passed away at his home on Wednesday, April 4, 2007, after a two-year battle with prostate cancer.
He was born Oct. 10, 1944, to George and Juanita Deuel in Douglas, Wyo. He was raised in Wyoming for his first 10 years and went on his first cattle drive when he was four years old. He rode and broke horses all his life. After graduating from high school, he began to serve his country by joining the Air Force in 1962. He worked as an air policeman in the Philippines and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1966. He was united in marriage with Jean Anne Rick in Minneapolis on July 6, 1968.
He wore a number of hats over the years, including working as a quality control inspector, salesman and school bus driver. In 1977, he moved to Eagle Bend and began dairy farming. He served his community as a member of the Farmer's Union, American Dairy Association, Auctioneer's Association and the Rose City Jaycees. He was proud of the time he served as an active member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He encouraged other vets to talk about their experiences. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and taught firearm safety for 10 years.
His grandchildren were his joy and he wanted to teach them everything he could in the short time he was with them. As a victim battling cancer, he was very vocal about his situation and encouraged men he knew to have their PSA checked. He is sadly missed by his family and canine companions Katie and Herman.
Memorial services were held on Monday, April 9, at the Rose City Evangelical Free Church in Rose City with the Rev. Larry Pearson presiding. Honorary pallbearers were Ron Svihel, Carl Wehking, Delbert Noetzelman and Tim Oberg. Military honors were provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6318 and the American Legion Post 280 of Eagle Bend.
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Survivors include his wife of more than 38 years, Jean; sons, David (Estella) Deuel of Sartell, and Benjamin (Autumn) Deuel of Parkers Prairie; four grandchildren; and special cousins Richard, Tiny, Veta and Joan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Juanita.
