Duane E. Enkers

Duane E. Enkers, 88, of Moorhead, MN, died Saturday, June 28, 2014, in Eventide on Eighth in Moorhead.

Duane Edwin Enkers, the son of Edwin and June (Ward) Enkers, was born August 22, 1925, on a farm near Rosholt, SD. He was raised there and graduated from Rosholt High School in 1943. After his graduation, he entered the United States Navy and served during World War II. Upon his discharge he returned home where he helped on the family farm and attended Dakota Business College in Fargo, ND.

In 1947, he went to work for the Great Northern Railroad in Breckenridge, MN. This is where he met Delores Wood, whom he married on June 17, 1949, in First Methodist Church in Breckenridge. They made their home in Breckenridge where he continued working for the Great Northern/Burlington Northern Railroad until retiring in 1989, as a Locomotive Engineer. In 1987, Duane and Delores moved to Moorhead. For eleven years they enjoyed spending winters in Mesa, AZ. He moved to Eventide on Eighth in April of this year.

Duane was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, VFW Post 02766, American Legion Post 53, Wahpeton Eagles Club (where he was a charter member), the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees, United Transportation Union, Railroad Historical Society, Last Man's Club, Railroad Retirees Breakfast Club and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, golfing, gardening and playing horseshoes and cards. He also enjoyed attending the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, MN.

Duane is survived by his wife of 65 years, Delores; children, Colleen (Rick) Abel, James "Jim" (Kathy) Enkers, Gail Enkers, and Jeffrey (Tami) Enkers, all of Moorhead; grandchildren, Bridget (Tracy) Egerdahl, Robert Abel, Ryan Abel, Cheri (Neil) Wohl, Amy (Mark) Gumto, Greg (Nicole) Enkers, Kyle and Tessa Enkers; great-grandchildren, Jordie and Joel Egerdahl, Anna and Brady Wohl, Matthew and Aubrey Gumto, Kinsley Abel, and Allie Enkers; brothers, Roland Enkers, Moorhead, and Dale Enkers, Waterloo, IA; sister, Ardyce Shelstad, Brooten, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A special thank you to Dr. John Ladwig, Eventide on Eighth, and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Visitation for Duane is Tuesday, from 5 PM until 7 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM, in Grace United Methodist Church in Moorhead. His funeral service will be Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at 1:00 PM in Grace United Methodist Church, Moorhead. He will be buried in Riverside Cemetery, Breckenridge, MN.