Obituary of Duane Louis McCauley

Duane Louis McCauley, 92, of Duluth passed away April 1, 2015. Duane was born Dec. 19, 1922 in Duluth to Louis and Ruth McCauley. He was the oldest of 14 children. Duane played lead guitar, starting at the age of seven and he played most every day until he passed away. His wife Marilyn and he were know as the "Guitar Duo" starting in 1958. Then later, his daughter Carla joined the band and they became know as "The Drifters" and later "The McCauleys". They played for many years for wedding dances, clubs and concerts. Duane worked as a fireman with the DM&IR Railroad. He was a World War II veteran serving in the Navy in the South Pacific. Duane loved to be in the country camping with son Jim and many family members and friends. He was extremely proud of his son Jim and daughter Carla. He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn of 65 years; his parents; brothers Clarence, Jim and Dan and sisters Ilene, Helen Vork, Katherine Weiss, Doris Fitch and Joanne Melde. He is survived by his son James Duane McCauley; daughter Carla (fianc Lance) Marilyn McCauley; grandchildren, Stacey (Andy) Vartmann, Martin James McCauley and great-grandchildren, Grace and Jack Vartmann and many nieces and nephews. SERVICE: 2 p.m. Monday April 6, in First Memorial Chapel 4100 Grand Ave Duluth. Visitation will be held one hour prior in the funeral home. Burial will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Park Hill Cemetery.