DuWayne Elton Lehrke

DuWayne Elton Lehrke passed away at his home on July 1, 2026. He was born on July 26, 1946, in Crosby, Minnesota, to Edward and Ruth (Oppelt) Lehrke, and was the youngest of four children. DuWayne graduated from Crosby-Ironton High School in 1964 and went on to complete his studies as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. On August 24, 1968, he was united in marriage to Sheila Sandberg. Together, they made their home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, where they raised their four children.

In retirement, DuWayne returned to his childhood lake property in Mission Township, where he found joy in reconnecting with lifelong friends, fishing, baking, watching the wildlife and many critters around him, and caring for his beloved cats.

DuWayne is survived by his son, Edward (Becky) Lehrke of Hallock, Minnesota; three daughters, Amy (Mark Anderson) Kowalzek of Little Falls, Minnesota, Annie (Daryn) Lehrke-Minske of Audubon, Minnesota, and Audrey (Russell) Benz of Fargo, North Dakota; his sister, Evette Lehrke of Littleton, Colorado; and seven grandchildren.

DuWayne was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Donald and Edward “Oney” Lehrke.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Bridge Tavern, 26969 Minnesota Highway 6, Crosby, on Sunday, July 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Favorite stories, memories, and music will begin at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in DuWayne’s name to Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation, P.O. Box 241, Garrison, MN 56450, or http://www.wildandfree.org. Other memorials will go toward a scholarship program for Crosby-Ironton students.