Duane Salness

Duane Owen Salness passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on Thursday, August 20, 2020, in St Paul, Minnesota.

He was born on June 10, 1943, to Clayton and Helen Salness, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He graduated from Moorhead High School, in Moorhead, Minnesota, and after attending college at Moorhead State College, completed his studies to become a Lutheran pastor at Luther Seminary in St Paul, Minnesota. He was ordained in 1969, and served numerous congregations in Minnesota, Tennessee, and Georgia, both as Pastor and Interim Pastor.

He married Marilyn Rossing in 1966 in Fridley, Minnesota. They were happily married for over 53 years.

Duane was a trusted servant of God as an ELCA Lutheran Pastor for over 50 years. He thrived on his calling and touched many people’s lives. Duane enjoyed travelling, being with family, and reading.

He is survived by wife Marilyn, of St Paul, Minnesota; children Jennifer (Thomas Wichern) of Andover, Minnesota, and Mark (Ling) of St Paul, Minnesota, 7 beloved grandchildren, sister Linda (Jim) Haukedahl, and nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Duane was preceded in death by his parents Clayton and Helen Salness, and brother John Salness.

A visitation will be held in the park across the street from their church, St Paul Reformation Lutheran, 100 Oxford St N, St Paul, Minnesota, on Wednesday, August 26, from 10 am to noon. Masks, state guided social distancing guidelines please. A private funeral service for immediate family will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made towards seminary students at St Paul Reformation Lutheran Church.