Duane Firl

Duane Julius Firl, 75, of Miesville, died Saturday, March 6, 2010 at his home. He was born August 26, 1934 in Hay Creek, Minnesota, to Max and Henrietta (Diercks) Firl. He attended schools locally until he was old enough to help on the family farm and look after his younger siblings. In 1955, he enlisted in the US Army and served until he was honorably discharged in 1957. After the service he had worked at the Red Wing Shoe Factory and at Don's TV. In October of 1960, he began working at North Central Airlines as a radio electrical mechanic, and received his FCC license. Duane was married to Lucille Kannel on May 7, 1966 at the Cathedral in St. Paul and they lived in Inver Grove Heights. He retired from Northwest Airlines in January of 1997. Lucille died in 1997 and in 1999 Duane moved to Miesville. A member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and fixing things.

He is survived by his son, Robert D. Firl of Tucson, Arizona; daughter, Mary (Ron) Tobias of Cottage Grove; grandson, Donovan A. Tobias; 8 brothers, Donald (Veryl) Firl of Rochester, Kenneth (Marcy) Firl of Onalaska, Wisconsin, Alvin (Lois) Firl of Red Wing, Leslie Firl of Red Wing, Dale Firl of Eagan, Rodney (Carolyn) Firl of Sammamish, Washington, John Firl of Branson, Missouri, and Dean (Jean) Firl of Andover; 3 sisters, Marlene Moosmann of Stewartville, Mary Louise (Ron) Olson of Stewartville, and Marlys (Dave) Kahl of New York Mills, Minnesota, and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille and a daughter, Susan.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 11, 2010 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Reverend Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church.