A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Duane Pingeon, age 86, of Windom, will be held Thursday, October 17th at 10:30 AM at The American Lutheran Church in Windom, with Pastor Adam Roberts officiating. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post #206 of Windom, with burial at Lakeview Cemetery in Windom.

A visitation for Duane will be held on Wednesday, October 16th from 4:00-7:00 PM at the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Windom, with Masonic Rites at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Thursday at The American Lutheran Church in Windom for one hour prior to the service, from 9:30-10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial may be made in Duane's memory to a charity of the donor's choice.

Duane Lyle Pingeon was born on September 16, 1938, near St. James, Minnesota to Marshall and Hazel (Bales) Pingeon, the youngest of ten children. He was baptized in infancy on August 27,1939. Duane grew up in the Butterfield, St. James and Madelia areas and later lived in Lamberton, where he attended school. In March 1956, Duane enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17 and was assigned to the U.S.S. Waller. He was a Navy Gunner's Mate Class 3 and was honorably discharged in November 1959.

Duane met Barbara Bittler at the Springfield swimming pool and married the love of his life on Valentine's Day 1961. He was confirmed on April 16, 1961, at Salem Lutheran Church in Madelia. The couple was blessed with two children, Janet and Jeff. Duane worked at Tony Downs in Madelia and the family moved to Windom when he accepted a position with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MDOT). He worked there for 33 years in the Highway Maintenance department, retiring in July 1999.

Duane was active in the community and was a member of The American Lutheran Church in Windom. He was a longtime member of the Windom Prudence Masonic Lodge, Rochester Scottish Rite, El Riad Shrine of Sioux Falls, Madelia VFW Post 3842, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Duane was also a volunteer driver for Western Community Action and the Cottonwood County Veterans.

Duane loved the outdoors for hunting, fishing, and camping. He and Barb loved polka dancing and travelled to various states for festivals. He was also a fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.

On October 8, 2024, Duane passed away peacefully at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Barbara Pingeon of Windom; daughter, Jan Widmark and husband, Jim of Breezy Point; son, Jeff (Sara) Pingeon of Waconia; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one brother, James Pingeon of Marshall; and many nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Mabel Nelson, Helen Becker, George Pingeon, Lorraine Doering, David Pingeon, Marcel "Ted" Pingeon, Donald Pingeon, and Robert "Gil" Pingeon.

Blessed be the memory of Duane Pingeon.