Mass of Christian Burial for Duane Labat, 72, of Marshall, will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 2, 2022, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. Visitation will be Thursday, September 1, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a CCW Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and a Parish Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Marshall. Visitation will continue on Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the remembrance center. Interment will follow the service at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The Horvath Funeral Service in Marshall is handling the arrangements.
Duane August Labat was born on October 17, 1949, in Marshall, to August and Louise (Buysse) Labat. He grew up on a farm north of Green Valley and graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1967. Following graduation, Duane enlisted and served in the U.S. National Guard. He worked for Marshall Lumber for a couple years before going to work for the Robert L. Carr Construction Company in 1969, where he worked as a carpenter and crane operator for 47 years. Duane was very meticulous with his craft and generous with his talents. In addition to his job, he helped many friends and family with home improvement and construction projects over the years. On August 29, 1970, he was united in marriage to Geraldine “Gerri” Strandberg at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Duane enjoyed connecting with family and friends, including “The Hood” neighborhood group, with time around a card table or at a backyard fire. He was a fierce competitor, playing cards and games of all kinds, especially 500 with the card club, where he was banned from bidding grand nula! Duane also spent his free time restoring a 1963 Chevy Impala and watching any Minnesota sports team or NCIS marathon from the comfort of Big Blue. Duane was well-known for his strong work ethic, calm and welcoming nature, his sense of humor, Black Velvet & Coke drinks, and Christmas grasshoppers.
After a yearlong battle with cancer, Duane died on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at the Avera Medical Center in Marshall, MN. He is survived by his wife, Gerri of Marshall, daughter Amy Kodet of Golden Valley, grandchildren Benjamin and Anna; son Craig (and Tina) Labat of Sleepy Eye, grandchildren Megan, Nick and Allie; son Brad (and Tina) Labat of Rice, grandson Noah; son Adam (and Nikki Dirksen) Labat of Minneapolis; siblings Reverend Dennis Labat of Marshall, Yvonne (Ron) Louwagie of Cottonwood, Gary (Nola) Labat of Cottonwood, Nancy (Jim) Stripling of Farwell, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents August and Louise Labat and in-laws John and Eileen Strandberg.
