Duane “Dub” Graversen

We will honor the life of Duane “Dub” Graversen on Saturday, January 11th at 11:00 AM at Elk Creek Church, rural Kensett. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, January 10th at the Bride Colonial Chapel in Manly. Dub passed away on January 2nd at the age of 93 and he was a kind, gentle, and considerate individual that touched the lives of many. 

From the day he was born on June 21, 1931, he was a lifelong advocate and leader for the town of Plymouth. Dub showed his love for his hometown as a member of the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department for 50 years and served as the mayor for over 20 years. In both of those roles, Dub made valuable and meaningful contributions that are still being felt today. He also proudly worked beside his father Soren “Sam” and brother Les in the family business, Graverson Inc. which was a main street fixture in the town of Plymouth. The family business included a hardware store, propane, real estate and many other entities that exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity that prevailed within the Graversen family. Dub was extremely proud of his many business endeavors and loved working beside his father and brother. 

A 1949 graduate of Plymouth High School, Dub valued his friendships with his classmates and stayed in close contact with them throughout his entire life. In April of 1952, he was drafted into the US Marines and proudly served until April of 1954. Dub was a lifelong student and held a view that the most valuable education was obtained through continual curiosity, fostering valuable relationships and engaging in experiences that nourished the mind, heart and soul. And one of Dub’s most treasured approaches to expanding his world view was through his love for traveling. Dub visited all 50 states, the Canadian providences and over 30 countries around the world. Every trip was special to him and offered him endless opportunities for continued education and enjoyment. 

Dub understood the value of giving back and shared his time, talents and energy on numerous boards and committees throughout his life. He was a hardworking, dependable and energetic volunteer and leader that never sought recognition or attention. 

Dub was also extremely creative and artistic, a gift that he generously shared with friends and loved ones. He was a painter and a jewelry artisan. Dub created hundreds of pieces of jewelry throughout his life and especially liked to create silver jewelry. He loved to share his jewelry with people as much as he loved to create it. He spent many winters in Texas and Arizona which provided him the time to really focus on his artistic endeavors while also creating lasting and meaningful friendships with people from around the United States. 

Dub was blessed with many special and extraordinary people in his life. He married Betty Jean Dickson in June of 1952, and they enjoyed many years of happiness until her death in 1999. On April 27, 2002, he married Marlene Peterson and again found great joy as they created countless memories pursuing their mutual love of traveling, entertaining, volunteering and blending a wide circle of friends.  

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Marlene and his stepfamily, Lori Peterson (Peter Spink), Brenda Neville (Joe), Ann Peterson, Wayne Kettwick (Tracy – deceased) and grandchildren; Josh Neville (Tasha), Christopher Neville (Abbie) and Karsen Kettwick. Sister-in-law Betty Graversen (Les – deceased), niece Nancy (Bill) James, two great nephews Chad (Sabrina) James and Andy James, great great nephews Ben and Cruz and great great niece Luca; as well as numerous extended family members and countless friends. 

Greeting him in Heaven are his niece Pam; parents, Soren and Laura; a brother, Lavern “Smokey” Graversen; and many family members and cherished friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Elk Creek Church, Kinney Pioneer Museum or the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department. 

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel. 641-423-2372. ColonialChapels.com