Duane Vad

Duane Franklin Vad, 76 of Breckenridge, MN died in his home on Monday, February 8, 2010 with his  wife and family at his side.

Visitation for Duane Vad will be at Joseph Vertin & Sons Funeral Home on February 11, 2010 from 4 pm. to 8 pm. with a prayer service at 7pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Breckenridge, MN on February 12, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Ken Popp officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Breckenridge, MN

Pallbearers are Scott Sedivy, David Vad, Tom Vad, Kevin Sedivy, Joe Ward, Mike Vad

Honorary Pallbearers are Brad Erickson, Keith and Marty Robertson, Dawn Johnson, and

Duane’s ‘coffee buddies’.

Duane is survived by his wife of 43 years: Jayne (Hintgen) Vad; his children, Kari (Joseph) Ward, Monument, CO; Tom (Tawnya) Vad, Phoenix, AZ; Mike (Amy) Vad, Forest Lake MN; seven grandchildren, Olivia, Gabriella, Jonah, and Julianna Ward; Bailey, Isaac and Max Vad; sisters, Delores Owen, Bellingham WA; Darlene Sedivy, Owatonna, MN; sister-in-law, Marlys Vad, Bottineau, ND and numerous nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his brother Darrol Vad.

Duane was born on March 4, 1933 in Thief River Falls, MN to Gustave Vad and Valeria (Reller) Vad. He attended grade school at St. Bernard’s Catholic School in Thief River Falls, MN. While he was in high school he was active in basketball, hockey and theater until he became ill and spent time at the University of MN Hospital with the misdiagnosis of Guillaine Barre Syndrome forcing him to miss his senior year of high school and graduating a year later. He was later appropriately diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis.

Duane went on to attend NDSU, becoming a member of Kappa Psi and graduating from pharmacy school in 1956. After working for eight years at Miller Drug in Wahpeton, ND, he purchased Waters Rexall Drug (Breckenridge) in 1965, changing the name to Breckenridge Rexall Drug.

In 1967 he married Jayne (Hintgen) of Wahpeton, ND. Together they raised three children. He was active in Lions, Knights of Columbus and Elks-in which he attained the honor of Exalted Ruler.

In 2001, Duane and Jayne sold Breckenridge Drug to Jodi Beyer and Teresa Mergens.

Duane was a personable man with a gentle demeanor. He had a strong will which propelled his determination to meet challenges head on. Diversity developed in him a tender heart for the under dog and compassion for others that was deep and genuine. His moral character was reflected in his work as a pharmacist, his role as a business owner and most of all, with his family.