Walter Duchene

Walter "Wally" Duchene, age 76, of Faribault, passed away on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at his home with his family at his side.    Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault, with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association.    Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory in Faribault on Wednesday from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday for one hour prior to the services at the church.    Walter Henry Duchene, the son of Florent J. and Dorothy (Meyer) Duchene, was born on December 7, 1935 in Faribault. Wally served in the U.S. Army Reserves for over 40 years, from June of 1953 to December 1993, retiring with the rank of CW4 from the 417th Light Equipment Maintenance Company . During that time he was called to active duty in October of 1961 to August of 1962, receiving his honorable discharge. He was united in marriage to Barbara Mullenberg on January 12, 1957 at the St. Lawrence Church in Faribault. Early in his career, Wally worked as a mechanic in local gas stations and garages.   He then worked in many mechanical capacities for the Area Maintenance Support Activity #24 (AMSA) for 23 years, retiring in 1993. After his retirement he trucked for Filmore Express for 10 years and also helped his sons with roofing. When his family was young they enjoyed camping, he helped with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and later with the Explorers program. Wally was a very dedicated volunteer in the community. He served on many boards and ushered at Divine Mercy Church, was active in many ways with Consolidated Catholic Schools and Bethlehem Academy, was a member of the American Legion Post 43 and served as the Commander of the Rice County Central Veterans Association providing military honors. A great amount of his volunteerism was dedicated to the Faribault Council 889, Knights of Columbus.   Wally was a Past Grand Knight and instrumental in numerous activities in the operation of the club, his presence will truly be missed.    He is survived by his wife, Barbara Duchene of Faribault; four children, Wendy (Kenneth) Susen of Faribault and their children, Ken Susen and Carly (Jim) Anderson and their children, Jaymeson Susen and Garrison Anderson; Rory Duchene of Faribault and his children, Laramy, Chloe, and Monet Duchene; Mark (Theresa) Duchene of Northfield and their children, Ethan, Aletha, Clair, and Quinn Duchene; and Vicki (Myles "Skip") McDowell of Rosemount, and their children, Myles "Mac" and Desiree McDowell; brother, Jerry (Kay) Duchene of Faribault; sister, Linda Giles of Rochester; and many other relatives and friends.    He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Gretchen Chappuis; and brother-in-law, C. Ordean Tostrude.