Duane W. Barber

Duane W. Barber, 90, of New London, died Friday, January 8, 2021, at Koronis Manor in Paynesville.  A public visitation will be from 12:00- 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the Johnson Funeral Home in New London.  A private funeral service will follow at Peace Lutheran Church in New London.  Interment with military honors will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in New London. 

Duane William Barber was born on October 22, 1930, in Alexandria, the son of Harold and Cora (Allpress) Barber. He grew up in New London and attended New London High School.  On September 8, 1950 he enlisted in the US Airforce where he served his country during the Korean War in England and Morocco.  On July 26, 1952, Duane was united in marriage to Alice Pearson. They had three sons and a daughter.  They made their home in Willmar and he worked for Great Northern Railroad as a carman until his retirement in 1963. They moved to New London in 1966.  Duane and Alice were able to share in 28 years of marriage before Alice’s death on February 15, 1981.  On April 3, 1982, Duane was married to Vernese Schwitalla.  They made their home in New London where they enjoyed retirement.

Duane was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and New London American Legion.  He enjoyed carpentry work, building things, going for drives and having company, especially his family. 

Duane  is survived by his wife of 38 years, Vernese; children, Michael (Colleen) Barber, Don (Dawn) Barber, Yolanda (Chuck) Johnson and Timothy (Kari) Barber; step-son, Bruce (Jill) Schwitalla; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren; 15 step-great-grandchildren; siblings, David (Judy) Barber, James (Judy) Barber, and Gloria (Dan) Fostervold and sister-in-law, Joyce Barber. 

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice; parents; and siblings, Dick Barber, Rodney Barber, and Audrey Ihlang; brother-in-law, Clinton Ihlang; sister-in-law, Janet Barber and nephew, Steven Barber.   

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