Robert Matthew DuChene

Robert (Rob) Matthew DuChene of Detroit Lakes, MN went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Alina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, Minneapolis, MN.

Rob (Robbie) was born May 2, 1970 to Wilfred (Willie) and Alice (Schonhardt) DuChene in Detroit Lakes, MN. Rob grew up in Callaway, MN, attended Callaway Elementary School and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1988.  Rob continued his education by going on to complete two associate degrees, one in Biomedical Equipment Repair and another in Computer Architectural Drafting.  Rob thoroughly enjoyed designing and drawing multiple residential and commercial projects. His career allowed him to stay connected to the family roots of construction. Rob had a brief marriage to Traci York in 1995.

From a young age, Rob loved to be active.  As a child, he was very involved in his church and the Callaway 4H Club. 4H activities along with the help of his dad, allowed Rob to develop his talent in woodworking.  He also enjoyed boating, biking, ATV’s, snowmobiles, kayaking, skiing, gardening, and anything else that would get him outside or with people.  He was an active member of the community by serving as the 70th admiral for the Detroit Lakes Water Carnival.

Rob had a love for horses and dogs. He enjoyed training all his dogs (Ralphie, Roxy, Lil-e, and Rip). He trained them all to stay on the front rug after coming in from the house as well as to wait to be fed or given a treat until he gave them a signal.  Rob’s sister Diane introduced him to riding horses, which Rob instantly fell in love with. Riding horse allowed Rob to be outside with others where he developed many lasting friendships. Family and friends were very important to Rob. He enjoyed spending time with his family playing cards, visiting, and helping them with projects such as flooring, tiling, or whatever was needed. He became truly talented at home renovations. He especially enjoyed playing and winning at cards. Rob also had a passion to help his cousins with their farming operations.  Farming was his way to stay connected with the land and family near Callaway.  Rob had a gentle soul that could be felt by all who knew him.

Rob had a deep faith in God.  This faith started at an early age when Rob became a survivor of childhood cancer, more than 40 years ago. He was proud to say he was “cancer free for 43 years!” Rob made lasting friendships by being actively involved in various church activities through Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes and the men’s prayer and bible studies through Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee. These relationships gave Rob tremendous trust in God throughout his life.  

Rob is survived by his mother, Alice DuChene of Detroit Lakes, five brothers and sisters: Diane Bellefeuille, Detroit Lakes, Tom (Tammy) DuChene, Edmond, OK, Dean (Kristi Jo) DuChene, Detroit Lakes, Kristi (Paul) Bellefeuille, Detroit Lakes, and Kim DuChene (Dan Morrow) Stillwater, MN. He is also survived by fifteen nieces and nephews, and special friend An Ne and boys Redge and Kuya Lieann.  He was preceded in death by his father Wilfred DuChene and nephew Ethan Bellefeuille.

Rob’s family sincerely thanks all family and friends for the thoughts, prayers and support while Rob was at Alina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Minnesota Children’s Cancer Research Fund or any other children’s cancer foundation of your preference.

***This funeral Mass will also be livestreamed: If you need to direct people where to go from the Obituary page, please direct them to Holy Rosary Catholic Church Detroit Lakes Mn YouTube Channel, it will go live 30 minutes prior to the Mass starting.

https://www.youtube.com/@holyrosarycatholicchurchde380/streams