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, 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.

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

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in DuWayne’s name to Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation program: PO Box 241 Garrison, MN 56450 or http://www.wildandfree.org. Other memorials will go towards a scholarship program for Crosby-Ironton students.