A time for celebrating and remembering the life of Duane “Packy” T. Diers, 81, of Farimont, MN, will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont. A private family burial will be held at a later date in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Bancroft, IA. Duane passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026, at his home in Fairmont. The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Fairmont is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Duane “Packy” Diers was born on July 9, 1944, in Bancroft, IA, the son of Clarence and Elda (Jandl) Diers. He grew up in a hardworking family, attending school in Bancroft and graduating from Bancroft High School in 1962. From an early age, he understood the value of putting in an honest day’s work, a trait that would define him throughout his life. After continuing his education at trade school, Duane began his career in the agriculture sector, helping to construct grain elevators that stood as lasting markers of his dedication and craftsmanship across the Midwest and later worked for Tyco Plastics in Fairmont.
On July 18, 1996, Duane married Joyce A. Tolzmann (Ferguson) in a beautiful park in Sioux Falls. Together, they made their home and built a life in Fairmont
Duane was a man who never sat still for long. Whether it was the still patience of a fishing line cast into the water or the rumble of his Harley beneath him as he chased the horizon, he embraced life with a spirit of adventure. He found peace in the outdoors, tending to his garden, and camping under a sky full of stars. Some of his most treasured moments were spent alongside his grandsons, passing down not just skills, but a deep respect for nature while hunting and fishing together.
His passions extended into the community he cared so deeply about. Duane was a proud member of the Minnesota Waterfowl Association, Martin County Conservation Club, Ducks Unlimited, and the Fairmont Trap Club. He also gave his time as a Boy Scout leader, helping guide young people with the same steady hand and adventurous spirit that defined his own life.
When he wasn’t outdoors, Duane could often be found at the bowling alley, where he was an accomplished bowler and a familiar face in the Fairmont bowling league. Yet even with all his hobbies and interests, what set Duane apart most was his generosity. He gave freely of his time, volunteering three days a week at The Salvation Army in Fairmont, always ready to lend a hand where it was needed most.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Joyce Diers of Fairmont, MN; children, Sheila (Jason) Breitbarth of Ellendale, MN, Chad Tolzmann (Jessica) of Fairmont, MN, Amanda Diers (James Schimmel) of Ceylon, MN, Anthony Asmus of Denver, CO, and Darcy Rieke of Des Moines, IA; 10 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; siblings, Marie Cook of Burt, IA, Don (Kathy) Diers of Algona, IA, Jerry Diers of Bancroft, IA, Pat Miller of Sauk Centre, MN, and Bonnie (Ed) Layer of Brandon, SD; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Elda Diers; sister, Beverly Curtis; and two brothers-in-law, Cliff Curtis and Terry Cook; and mother-in-law, Marlene Heenan.
www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net
