Lyle Leonard Duden

Lyle Duden passed away at Rosewood on Broadway, under the care of Hospice, on June 18, 2019.

Lyle was born August 30, 1936 to Leonard and Helen (Fick) Duden in Red Wing, MN.

Lyle graduated from Cannon Falls High School in the spring of 1954. While in high school, Lyle was active in football, baseball and National Honor Society. High school is where he met his future wife, Phyllis Johnson. The two were married October 21, 1954 at St. Ansgars Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls, MN and shared 64 years together. Lyle joined the army in 1954 and was stationed in Fort Carson, CO where he served until 1956. He then returned home to Cannon Falls, MN and started Dudens Pure Oil Service station, which he operated until 1960. Lyle also attended Brown Institute in Minneapolis where he studied radio broadcasting. In 1961, he and the family moved to Jamestown, ND where he began his broadcasting career with KSJB. This is where he became known as Jack Leonard. Lyle was a radio announcer and did sports play-by-play for both the Jamestown High School Blue Jays and the Jamestown College Jimmies.

While living in Jamestown, Lyle was active in Elks, Eagles, Kiwanis, Jamestown Country Club, American Legion, and served as a past president of the Quarterback Club. Lyle was also played softball and an umpire for many years.

In 1978 Lyle went to work for Northwestern National Life Insurance Company (NWNL). Lyle became regional manager for NWNL in 1992 and moved with Phyllis to Fargo, ND. Lyle retired in 1999.

Lyle and Phyllis spent many winters in Brownsville, Texas with their friends soaking up the warm weather. They also found added joy in spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Lyle is survived by his wife Phyllis; five children, Sheri Peterson (Dennis) of Mayville, ND, Kim Ganske (George) of Cape Girardeau, MO, Jay Duden (Rhonda) of Fargo, ND, Jon Duden (Lyn) of Parker, CO, and Karita Shockman (Tom) of Fargo, ND; three sisters, Marcine Lundell, Cannon Falls, MN, Betty Jacobs, Farmington, MN, Karen (Dean) Dicke, Farmington, MN, ; 3 brothers, Curt Duden, Cannon Falls, MN, John Duden, Cannon Falls, MN, and Bruce (Kathy) Duden, Farmington, MN; Brother in law, Lawrence Johnson (Diane) Red Wing, MN; 13 Grandchildren, and 17 Great Grandchildren.

Lyle was preceded in Death by his parents, and one grandchild.

Special thanks to Hospice of Red River Valley and Palliative Care at Sanford Hospital!!