Duane “Smiley” Lauf, 76, Dickinson, died Sunday, February 24, 2019 in Mesa, Ariz. Memorial services for Smiley will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2019 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dickinson, with Rev. Lisa Lewton officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.
Duane Lauf was born March 11, 1942 at Marion, the son of Albert and Fern (Wrangham) Lauf. He was raised and educated in the Marion and LaMoure area. Having graduated from LaMoure High School. He went on to attend two years at North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton.
Smiley farmed and did electrical work for several years. He married Audrey Trenary and to this union four daughters were born, Bonita, Brenda, Bridget and Bethann.
In the early 1970’s, he became an Electrical Inspector for the State of North Dakota, a position he served for the next 30 years. At this time, he also moved to Dickinson.
Smiley was united in marriage to Joanne “Jo” Fridrich in March 1979 and with this union he adopted her two sons, Jason and Justin. They have made their home in Dickinson since.
In the early 1980’s, he started Smiley’s Drilling and later Trenching and Well Service. He also volunteered with the Dickinson Rural Fire and Rescue Team from 1978 to 2005. He was a Golden Eagle and a member of the National Association of Electrical Inspectors.
Smiley enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing, hunting and flying. He spent the last several years in Mesa, having developed many special friendships. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Smiley is survived by his wife, Jo; children, Bonita (James) Wills, Duluth, Minn., Brenda (Craig) Veer, Langdon, Bridget Lauf, Bismarck, Bethann Nuelle, Grand Forks, Jason Lauf, Dickinson and Justin (Tracy) Lauf, Dickinson; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Darlene (LeRoy) Alber, Marion; brothers, Gary (Donna) Lauf, Jamestown and Jerry (Gloria) Lauf, LaMoure. He was preceded in death by his parents
