Evans “Duffy” Milton Lindgren Jr.
On the afternoon of April 15th, 2013, Duffy went to be with the Lord. He passed away at St. Peters Hospital in Helena, Mt. while surrounded by his loving family. He was 69 years old.
Duffy was born in Chisholm, Minnesota on May 11th, 1943 to Evans and Nellie Mae Lindgren. He was the first of three children. He graduated from Chisholm High School in 1961 where he played football, boxed and was on the swim team. He then went on to St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Duluth MN. During this time, Duffy married Laurene Halicki on October 8th, 1966. While attending Nursing School, he joined the Army and served in Vietnam for one year. In 1971, after returning from Vietnam, he completed Anesthesia School at Hibbing General Hospital. They were blessed with three wonderful children, David, Leah and Jay. As a family, they spent weekends camping, hunting, fishing and participating in various sports.
He got his first Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist position at Falls Memorial Hospital in International Falls, MN. in 1971. In 1984 Duffy moved the family to Helena, Montana where he accepted the same position at Fort Harrison VA Hospital. He retired from the VA in May of 2005.
Fishing and hunting with his friends, kids and grandkids were Duffy’s passions. He knew Rainy Lake inside and out, among several other lakes in Minnesota. He was an excellent fisherman, always catching walleye, northern pike, and later, after moving to Montana, catching a variety of trout. He was still able to fish walleye in Montana which was his favorite fish. He taught his kids and grandkids how to fish and fly fish on the lakes, rivers, and creeks of Montana. He was always excited about his annual trip to Fort Peck with his buddies.
Along with fishing, he loved to hunt. He taught his kids and grandkids how to become great hunters, always focusing on safety and fun. He hunted elk, deer, antelope, grouse, ducks, and pheasants. There is a ridge that family and friends named ‘Duffy’s Ridge’ after many successful hunts at this special spot. He loved the outdoors and spent so much time in the mountains.
Camping was huge for the Lindgren family which involved fishing, boating, skiing, and tubing. Duffy always made camping fun. He was a great swimmer, teaching his kids how to swim well. He was good at telling stories and always enjoyed time with family and friends, laughing, smiling, and playing cards; just a happy dad!
Duffy had the biggest heart ever. He was the kind of guy that would give the shirt off his back and was always so generous. He supported his family throughout their lives. He became a professional fan by following his kids and grandkids with all their sports, traveling from town to town. His kindness and love will forever be appreciated by all.
Duffy loved and adored his wife, Laurene more than anything. He told her just the other day how beautiful she was. He appreciated all her love and support, her cooking, and what a wonderful mom and grandma she is.
Duffy was preceded in death by his parents, Evans and Nellie Mae, along with his stepmother Dorothy and his little brother Jimmy.
He is survived by his wife of over 46 years, Laurene, his son David (Tammy), daughter Leah (Darren) Lindgren-Stacey and son Jay (Nicole), grandchildren David, Marcus, Ashley, Jaret, Hunter, Rachael, Colton, and Tizer. Other survivors include sister Kay Lou Kelly, sisters in law Edonna (Rick) Spokely and Dinee Halicki, Godson Chris Spokely stepsisters Jaye (Freon) Olson and Lauren (Joe) McGarrigal, stepbrother Larry (Teri) Good, dear friends Marvin and Diane Page and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Duffy’s life will be held 3:30 p.m., Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A reception will follow in the social center of the funeral home. Interment with military honors will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 22, 2013 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. The family suggests memorials go to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation at PKD Foundation, 8330 Ward Parkway, Suite 510, Kansas City, Mo. 64114 or visit www.pkdcure.org.
We love you and will miss you always. Thank you for everything, you were the best husband, dad, and grandpa anyone could ever have and we were all so blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you, mom, for taking such good care of our dad.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:30 p.m.
Saturday April 20, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday April 20, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Burial with Military Honors
1:30 P.M.
Monday April 22, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:30 p.m.
Saturday April 20, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday April 20, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Burial with Military Honors
1:30 P.M.
Monday April 22, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, MT 59602
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andrea holland says
Dear Laurene, Kay, and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Duffy,s death. He and I go way back. I always enjoyed our visits and talks. Gary and I will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Laurene and Kay. Stay strong.
Andrea
Phyllis Chupurdia says
Laurene & Family – What a wonderful life Duffy had to be blessed with such a loving family. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Nancy & Doug Ramseth says
Dear Laurene & Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Duffy. We will always remember him for his ready laugh and happy outlook. I think of when Duffy took Dinee, you and me to the boundary waters canoeing. He was a saint to take the three of us. Doug will never forget driving in Chisholm with Duffy and Dave Hannan in the back seat – I hope you remember the rest of the story. We are thinking of you and wishing you comfort during this difficult time. Love you.
Leona Zaharko says
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. I enjoyed working with Duffy at the VA. The few times he joined our retired group, we really enjoyed visiting with him. I will miss visiting with him at CVS.
Ron and Sue Parrucci says
Dear Laurene, Dave, Leah and Jay,
Can’t begin to tell you how sad we are. Ron still tells “Duffy stories” to our kids and friends. Everytime he was in any rediculous situation, it was with Duffy and the memories are so wonderful. Seems like only yesterday that you and I were two little girls at Lincoln School, so innocent and happy and it breaks my heart to think of the pain you’re living now. Where have all the years gone and how did we ever get here? My boys send their thoughts and prayers to you , Dave, Leah and Jay. You had such a wonderful father and he provided you all with a wonderful life. God bless you all and I will pray for you to all find peace. All our love, Sue and Ron.
Dawes family says
It is hard to even know where to being writing…”Grandpa” Duffy was just that…a true grandpa. He was not only a grandpa to his own grand-kids, but to all of those he adopted along the way. Our son was so fortunate to be “one of those adopted grand-kids”. From fishing, to camping, to hunting, Grandpa Duffy taught Levi all of these and more. He also taught him how to be kind, how to love and how to encourage. He taught him how to get up when he fell, how to keep shooting when he missed, to never stop rebounding and how to keep hitting after he had struck out for the third time. He even saved his life when he fell into the river on a fishing trip. From baseball to basketball, from the lake to the yard, from eating pizza to Laurene’s famous sloppy joes, “Grandpa Duffy’s” influence will always live on in the hearts of our family. We will never forget all that you and Laurene did for our family. We are truly blessed. We love you Grandpa Duffy! The legacy you have built will forever live on through the lives of your family and all of those you have touched along the way.
Love always,
Ray, Staci, Levi, Kyra and Cole Dawes
Walter Niemi says
So sad, classmate and fellow swimmer, and Laurene, my neighbor, haven’t seen you guys in years, but the images in my mind are clear, and many memories are swirling through my mind as I write this. Going through mom’s things last week, I read the article how he beat me in the race across the lake and his name in my yearbook and Halicki’s dog Elvis…….great memories…….and the memories will live on,,,God bless…
Charles (Bill) Rolfe says
So sad to hear of Duffys passing.
We grew up together… Frazer Location survivors and buddies for life. Even sadder is not knowing exactly where he was living and the lost contact for years. So many stories and memories of family times and our times at the lake.
Gives me pause for thought.
Blessings to the family that I never knew and please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
A Friend
Bob Francis says
Another of the Fraser gang gone! Duff was one of the good guys. Haven’t seen him since Hibbing Junor College, but remember him alwa ys. Deepest sympathy to his faily and Kay Lou.
Bob
Barbara Aitkin Matschke says
Lindgren Family,
May the good memories uplift your spirits during this difficult time. We were classmates.
Russell Palmquist says
Duffy’s family,
Remembering the ‘good ole days’ in Fraser. We had so much fun playing with the young guys at the baseball field. We often think of your family and growing up in Fraser – what a great thing to have known Duffy and his family. Much sympathy to KayLou and Duffy’s wife and kids.
Russell;
Charity Rowsey says
Dear Laurene, Jay, Nicole, Dave, Tammy, Leah & Darrin and families,
You have always held a special place in my heart and words can’t express my sympathy for you all. Your family is beautiful beyond words, much to the credit of Duffy and Laurene and how loving, warm, and welcoming they have always been. Duffy’s legacy will truly live on through his amazing family. I will never forget and will miss our conversations…I think I learned more about my anatomy from Duffy than I did in health class =). My prayers and thoughts are with you. Although it is so hard to say goodbye, Duffy is at peace now with his Lord, fishing on the most beautiful lake he’s ever seen. My love and prayers to you, Charity Rowsey and family.
Lauren & Joe McGarrigle says
We are sorry we cannot be with our family. Duffy will be missed. Whenever I had an issue I could call him for help and he always responded. All our sympathy to you Laurene and the kids. Shannon said to provide a personnel message to Leah, that she is sorry for her father’s (and Uncle’s) passing. All our best, Lauren, Joe and Shannon
Kass Vold says
Dear Laurene and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Duffy’s passing. Although it’s been many years since you left the
Falls, I remember several amusing incidents with Duffy, usually occurring at the hospital.
He was a gentle giant and so well liked. Carol and Larry kept me updated on the major
events in your lives. When Larry passed, I spoke with Duff briefly when he called the
Larson house. He was so kind and caring.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you who loved Duff. I know what a difficult
time this is for you, but somehow we manage to get through these darks days and
muddle on. Just know that Duffy will forever be smiling down on you.
Sincerely, Kass Vold
Sandy Barcus says
Dear Laurene and Family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of the head of your family.
Duffy’s spirit will live on through the fond memories he created for all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
BIG HEART, BIG MAN, and “Duffy” stories describes him best.
He is at peace with his Maker and we are thankful for the life of the one and only, Duffy Lindgren.
You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love sent your way – Sandy Barcus
Jamie, Todd and Ian Fitzgerald says
We are so sad at the loss to our family. He was an outstanding Uncle and he will be missed. I don’t have the words to say how I feel. My prayers and heart are with you…
John & Margaret Rose (Kestner) Huska says
Dear Laurene & family, So very sorry to hear of Duffy’s passing. He was in my, (John’s), class of 61 in Chisholm and what I remember most was his infectious laugh & positive attitude. He was taught Anesthesia by Rose Kestner, our mother/mother-in-law. (Margaret Rose was in Kindergarten with you & possibly more grades until 4th grade when she & her family moved to Hibbing.) When I, (John), visited you once in Rainer, I’ll never forget one of your sons climbing onto the kitchen countertop, then on top of the refrigerator. Duffy’s reaction: just leave him alone; he’ll eventually come down. We pray that you are having restful moments during this difficult time; and that the many memories of Duffy brings you peace of knowing what a terrific husband & father he was. Sincerely, John & Margaret Rose Huska.
Diane Carlson Evans says
Dear Laurene and family,
Mike and I were saddened to learn of Duffy’s passing. We send our heartfelt sympathy and love to all of you. Mike so enjoyed working with Duffy in the operating room at the VA. I remember when Mike came home one day after beginning work there, and said Duffy had served in Vietnam at the 71st Evacuation Hospital. Duffy and I were serving in the Army Nurse Corps at the same time at the same hospital but didn’t know each other. I have sent news of Duffy’s death to all the 71st veterans whom I have addresses for, identified from past reunions.
Already people are writing back to say what a terrific nurse and person he was. A hero to everyone he touched. Peace to Duffy, and peace to you…..
Linda Lepper says
Laurene and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful and fun person and although it has
been many years since we got together, we always seemed to pick up where we left off.
Memories will get you through.
Hugs to all of you, Linda
Jayne Niemi says
I was a little kid, looking up (and I mean up!) to all the neighbors, and it’s clear that my childlike admiration was right on target. Take joy in the good memories, and see Duffy in the clear waters that he swam and fished,
Jayne
Mike Richtarich says
Saddened to read about Duff’s passing. Our families were close friends. I remember many good times at the cabin at Side Lake when we were kids. May he rest in peace.
Pat Clemens says
I would like to give my condolence to the Lindgren family. I got to know Duffy in high school & he was a great guy & you could not help but love the guy. He will be greatly missed.
Pat Clemens
Ed Klotzbach says
Laurene and family,
So sorry to hear of Duffy’s passing. He was a big part of my life growing up. Whether it was at the house or skating shack in Frazer, high school, pool hall, Choppys, staying at the cabin on Side Lake, fishing, deer hunting, or cruising on the weekends, there are so many memories.
Duffy was a true friend and great guy. I will miss our telephone conversations.
Our sympathy and condolences to you and your family.
Stretch & Sharon Klotzbach
Jenny Rapovich says
Jaye and family. I am so very sorry about the loss of your beloved Duffy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. He was a great individual who will be missed by everyone he touched.
Dave Lindgren says
Evan’s ” Duffy” Lindgren I say goodbye to a great cuz and friend. Our families were always
sharing the holidays, birthdays, special events , fishing, hunting and enjoying each others
presence. The memories we shared will always be there to reflect the great times for all of us.
I will remember that your family lived in many of the houses in Frazer. I remember the swims across Side Lake to Pine Beach. Picking blueberries on the hill alongside the cabin with the bear ,Watching the swim meets, the hearty laughter when something funny struck your fancy, and most of all the great dedication to your family and your living life to the fullest. Your influence on your family was the greatest gift a man could give. We will miss you
Bob and JoAnn Longmire says
Dear Laurene and family,
So sorry to hear of Duffys passing. Our sincere sympathy goes out to you. Duffy will surely be missed. We used to have some good times together. God Bless all of you.
Kim Longmire says
Dear Lauren and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I’ve known Duffy since I was a kid. He worked with my parents at the VA. He had a wonderful personality and was always happy. He will be greatly missed by all. My deepest. sympathy goes out to the. Lindgren family.
Pat Clemens says
I want to give my condolence to the Lindgren family. I got to know Duffy in high school & he was a great guy & you could not help but love the guy. He will be greatly missed.
Pat Clemens
Steve Seykora says
Thank you Duffy for carrying my father out of the woods to Fraser. My brother Dave and I were with dad when he broke his leg near the Sherman observation stand. Dave ran to town to get help and came back with our hero Duffy, who carried dad to moms waiting stationwagon. early June of 1965
Bob & Judie (Bartek) Kinzel says
Dear Laurene & Family:
What a sad time for you, your family, and the many friends Duffy had. Judie and I have talked and reminised many times through out the years about the great times we had with Duffy. I (Bob) remembered when I got beat for the King Longyear award by Duffy. We had a lot of fun in swimming the race and our times on the swim team, playing football, and all of the lake parties we had. Although we have not seen Duffy for a long time, Judie and I will remember him as a good friend. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Janis Niemi says
Laurene and family,
I am so sad for you. Like my brother, I remember the annual Longyear Lake swim and the swimming meets, and of course, the memories from the Halicki’s across the street. Every year I feel a connection to the Lindgrens making potato sausage – Duffy’s dad taught my dad how to make it in a Christmas season a very long time ago. You and your family are in my thoughts.
The Ottman Family says
Leah, Marcus, David, and family, We are sorry for your loss, Duffy was a great guy, he will be missed by everyone, a lot of great memories specifically the baseball trips with the Helena Rebels. Marcus and David you will also remember and cherish all those fun hunting and fishing trips with you grandpa. God Bless, the Ottmans
Gayle Hogans daughter Pamlea Lubina says
Gayle Hogan and her twin sister Gloria shared many stories of summers out at the cabin hanging out with Duffy, KayLou, and Jimmy. My mother cherished those memories. Of course I have my own memories of Duffy through a childs eye. For sure, he was the largest teddy bear I had ever seen. I can still hear his laugh, picture him chatting with my grandfather, Bob, on the back porch taking turns cranking on the ice cream maker. My grandmother, Garnet, and her mother Rose were very fond of Evens and the entire Lingren family. Some of my most cherished memories were made out at the cabin in Side Lake. The Lingren cabin I felt was just an extension of my own. Leah and I played together. I am very saddened to know Duffy is no longer with us, but know he is in heaven thankful for the life he was blessed with and filled with the joy being reunited with family and friends passed before him. My heart goes out to His family and all who loved him and miss him. God, please bless them all with constant good memories of Duffy and overflow their hearts with healing joy of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sharon (Sam) Stanley Alden says
Dear Lindgren Family,
I only knew Duffy at the 71st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku, Vietnam, during my tour there as an Army Nurse. I think if you ask almost anyone stationed there while he was, they will agree that he was an institution. He was funny, likable, friendly, helpful, a wonderful RN and thoroughly entertaining. I hope you have heard stories about the “Bastille” – they still make me smile. I was so sad to read the message from Diane Carlson Evans, letting us know that he had died. Please know that he is fondly remembered by many – most of whom you have never known. My prayers are added to yours, and you have my deepest sympathies.
Dick Varichak says
Dear Lindgren Family,
Duffy will always be loved and missed by all who knew him. I enjoyed him as a teammate as well as a friend. Surviving our canoe trip to the Ely area one weekend was memorable.
We also came in third place in The First Annual Mississippi Scouting Canoe Race with his heavy wood and fiberglass canoe versus the two new kevlar canoes.
We will all miss him greatly, but he will not be forgotten. Our sympathy to the whole family
Glenna Kendall says
David, Tammy and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Father, David. May your wonderful memories sustain you during this difficult time. Please extend my condolences to your entire family. God bless all of you.
Robyn (Bayless) Ward says
My thoughts are with all of you, Duffy’s family …. I have fond memories of Duffy. He was so happy and optimistic and had a profound influence on me in my late teen years. He was the first CRNA I knew and was the biggest influence on my joining the Navy, becoming a CRNA and now working in his footsteps at Fort Harrison. He was so genuinely liked and highly thought of amongst those who worked with him at the VA. His presence has been missed. Thank you Duffy for all you did for me and for giving me such a positive influence. My thought and sincerest sympathies go out to Laurene, Dave, Jay and Leah ….
Steven Streeper, RPh says
My deepest condolences to Duffy’s family. We both served at the 71st Evac Hospital in Pleiku, Vietnam and he’ll be missed. What I remember of him is his fun-loving and gentle nature. He and I shared an interest in model airplanes and I remember him working on his radio-controlled airplane at the “Bastille” (which was his hooch). I’m certain that he was a wonderful father, grandfather, friend and confidant to all who knew him and the memories I’ve read bear that out. He’ll be sorely missed by all of us from the 71st…he was one of us and we loved him, too.
Robert J. Cruze Sr. says
I went to high school with Duffy and later he was helping my grandfather at the Buchanan Nursing home in Chisholm, Mn. In several nursing homes it seemed that many of the people are mistreated but Duffy treated the people with love and kindness. The world lost a wonderful kind person. We’ll all miss him.
Jim & Shirley Herman says
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Duffy. He was a great co-worker and neighbor in Int’l Falls. We have such good memories of him and of your family. Our kids still remember him dressing up as Santa and visiting our house. Jim loved the card games with all the guys and the fishing trips. It sounds like he has had a great life with a great family.
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Jo Ann Lindquist Juarez says
Laureen and Family , I am so sorry about Duffy. Everyone loved him and had great stories about him. My mother had a great story about him when he worked at Chisholm hospital with her, while he was in college. He was a wonderful person to all and will missed by many. I know you will have bad days ahead but they do get better.
Terese Thiel-Machin says
Dear Laureen and Family, and to My Old Friend Kay Lou,
I am an old Side Lake friend of the Lindgrens. We rented a cabin for many summers at his Grandmothers cabin over the hill and then bought or own property on top of the separated hill between us. We spent many delicious summers together, swimming, exploring and just general “living at the lake fun”. Duffy was the oldest of the bay side gang, we were all 13 and 14 and much younger. Lots of times we were just pains as he was assigned the “keep them out of trouble” person. He did take time to help us build our tree forts, swim with us (all of us were fish). I know he was happy when he was assigned more adult chores, away from us, especially the pesty girls. Many memories, but two that stand out. All of us piling in his grandmothers old car and taking the garbage to the dump “to see the bears” Sometimes as many as 10 kids in the car. Duffy got to ride in the front cause he was the oldest, he maid certain no one got out but all the kids got to “see”. He had to be the Pied Piper leader when we all walked the beach to the Octagon to buy candy. One time a tornado hit the area when we were walking back. He and all took all the bags and had all the kids run ahead to safety. We weren’t dropping the milk, bread and treats. We knew we wouldn’t make it in time to the cabin so we hid in the neighbors change-house. After the storm the mothers found us hiding under the bench in the tipped over house. He said “we saved the milk”…but every single piece of candy, we had eaten. I have never forgotten, Duffy.
will marvel says
Laurene….I just found out about Duffy a week or so ago….I know we lost contact thru the years but I always remember the times we had together…..they will never be forgotten, especially our week vacaion at Sturgeon Lake in Canada….amazing we survived. We often talk about the “old” days and Duffy’s name always popped up…..he was a great guy and judging by his obituary, a fantastic father, grandfather and husband. Please accept my sincere sympathy and our prayers will always be with you and Duffy. Take care.
will