Duane William Caywood

Duane William Caywood, 73, passed away peacefully July 22, 2026 at Aspirus St. Luke’s with family by his side. After many years fighting cardiac disease, his heart lost the battle.

Duane was born in Duluth November 15, 1952 to Clayton (Chic) Warren Caywood and Gloria Mae Johnson.

He was raised in Duluth. Duane had a challenging childhood, never completing high school, working odd jobs to help the family.

Duane did not need a diploma to be successful in his endeavors. From home remodeling and siding/roofing houses, to retiring after 25 years as a mechanic at the DTA. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and manage many rental properties, as well as start Caywood Oil and Propane in 2005. That business grew to adding Caywood Country Store. Both continue to be owned by extended family.

Duane married Sandra Linnell March 28, 1980. Together they raised their children Breanna (Scott), Kendra (Mike), Chase (Jieun), Holden, and Gaven. They were blessed with grandchildren Ryan, Kiley, Noah, and Donovan.

Although they separated in 2009, they remained friends.

Additionally, Duane was blessed by the love and companionship of Mary over the last 10+ years.

He is also survived by his sister, Shawn(Roberto) Hernandez, sister-in-law Terri Caywood, brother Bob (Ann) Doucette, niece Bianca (Ben), nephews Chad, Ryan, Dan, and Phil, his beloved dog Sam, and many other cherished friends and family members.

Although Duane was short on patience (preferring things to be done “Yesterday!”), he was incredibly generous, freely giving his time, money, labor, and advice.

He was rightly proud of his 38 years of sobriety.

Duane volunteered annually bellringing for the Salvation Army.

Duane loved Dirt Track Racing and was passionate about the Proctor Speedway, volunteering many hours and serving as Board President.

He was proud of the time he spent working at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics with the DTA.

He loved spending his time at the family cabin on Island Lake, Friday fish fry’s, hosting and cooking family dinners, and tending to his bountiful vegetable garden that he always shared with others. And if your number was in his phone, you could probably expect a regular phone call!

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Jan Caywood, brother Shane Caywood, and brother Billy Doucette.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Buffalo Junction 2590 Guss Road, Duluth on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 1:00p.m., with a memorial at 2p.m.,

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Proctor Speedway.

Duane leaves behind a legacy of hard work, service, and love. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.