To view a livestream of the service, access https://m.youtube.com/@CalvarychapelminotOrg
Duane DePriest, 64, Minot, formerly of Kenai, AK, died Saturday, February 1, 2025, in a Minot hospital.
Duane Terry DePriest was born on September 12, 1960, in Roundup, Montana to parents Murton and Ruby (Baker) DePriest. He grew up in Roundup, later moving with his family to Kenai, Alaska at age 10. He continued his school years in Kenai, graduated from Kenai Central High School in 1978. Baseball was a major part of Duane’s childhood, as he learned how to play with a bunch of friends in Roundup, Montana, and later became a Little League All-Star in Kenai, Alaska. He played summer ball in college and played one year for Yakima Valley Junior College and one year for Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Following high school, Duane worked for a few years at the Tesoro Refinery in Kenai as an Apprentice Pipefitter. He then went on to attend Oklahoma Baptist University, where he graduated in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in education. It was here where he met the love of his life, Jonna Roberts. The couple later married in February 1988 in Kenai. They welcomed their first child, James, in 1989, and their second child, Corene, in 1991. Duane’s children were his pride and joy throughout his entire life.
After graduating college, Duane was employed at Saddler’s furniture, then Therhorse Manufacturing and pipelines out near Ray, following a hiring freeze in the education industry. He also worked part time as a physical therapist aid for a few years until moving to Minot in 1993. Once in Minot, Duane began a career as an elementary physical education teacher at Bell School in the early 2000’s. During his teaching years, he also coached Little League basketball and football. Coaching became one of Duane’s greatest passions outside of his family.
Upon his exit from the education industry, Duane worked various labor jobs in Minot and later worked in the oilfield as a roustabout. He was most recently employed at Home Depot in Minot, working on the M-E-T team. Duane became disabled and was subject to an early retirement in 2022.
Duane was a lifelong drummer. As a little boy he would put pots and pans on the kitchen floor in a semicircle and hit them with metal spoons. He began band class in sixth grade with a practice pad and later received a drum set for Christmas in eighth grade and played the rest of his life. He played on worship teams in Alaska and Minot North Dakota for about 30 years. In 2002 he recorded a CD titled “One Way”, which had all original music with a local Minot band called Butterwalk. Duane also often played the drums at various churches in Minot.
In his retirement years, Duane enjoyed going golfing with his son and nephews. They frequented Apple Grove Golf Course in Minot and made many wonderful memories together on the green. He also enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins baseball games, as well as Vikings football games. When sports weren’t on TV, he could be found watch his favorite shows “American Pickers” or “The Andy Griffith Show”. Duane also made plenty of time with his beloved wife Jonna. They enjoyed going on dinner dates, or watching “America’s Funniest Home Videos” every time a new episode aired.
Duane will be remembered most as a loving husband, father, and brother. His willingness to help anyone in need, and his gentle, peaceful demeanor will be greatly missed by us all.
Duane’s loving family includes: his wife, Jonna; children, James and Corene; brother, Wesley, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lonnie and Dean; sister, Ruby, and sister-in-law, Denise.
Funeral Service: 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025 at Calvary Chapel Minot, 4600 North Broadway, Minot, ND 58703. To view a livestream of the service, access https://m.youtube.com/@CalvarychapelminotOrg
Visitation: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Calvary Chapel Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Cavalry Chapel, Minot.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Duane DePriest, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
