Duane John Javens

Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commerce Drive
North Mankato, Minnesota 56003
507-388-2288

Duane John Javens, age 72 of Mankato, died unexpectedly at his home on January 19, 2018.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato. Burial at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be held from 4 -7 p.m., Tuesday at Northview~North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation continues one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the donor’s choice.

Duane was born March 25, 1945 to Donald L. and Harriet E. (Boerboom) Javens in Marshall, Minnesota. He attended Central Catholic High School in Marshall. Duane was united in marriage to Jean DeMartelaere on April 1, 1967 in Minneota, Minnesota. He farmed for two years and then moved to Mankato where he worked at Year–A–Round Cab. In 1982 Duane and Jean started Javens Mechanical Contracting Co. in Mankato. In 2010 Duane decided to return to his farming roots and founded Javens Family Vineyard.

He was past president of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Assn. (PHCC). He was a member of the Minnesota Grape Growers Assoc. (MGGA). Duane enjoyed camping, NASCAR, showing off his Mustang, traveling with family and friends. He excelled at passing on his knowledge and many skills to others. He enjoyed giving gator rides around the vineyards and property.

Duane is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jean; daughter, Karmen Javens; daughter-in-law, Heather Javens all of Mankato; six grandchildren, Mariah and Luke Bauer, Avery, Fletcher, Cole and Nora Javens; sister, Darlene (Wayne) Kruse of Amboy; brother, Kenny (Jody) Javens of Mankato; sisters-in-laws, Linda Javens, Rita (Wally) Gillund, Cheryl (Wayne) Hauschild, Karen (David) Meulebroeck; brother-in-law, Loren (Lisa) DeMartelaere; nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Bryan and Jeffrey; brother, Denny.