Duane E. Hjulstrom ’60

Duane Hjulstrom, 80, of Claremont, NH, died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, after a lengthy struggle with lung disease.

He was born in Presque Isle, Maine, the son of Thelma Ellis and Guy Hjulstrom.  He was a 1957 graduate of Presque Isle High School where he was recognized for achievements in basketball and baseball.  He got his BS degree in Marine Engineering from Maine Maritime Academy and then shipped out.  Duane obtained a naval officers commission in the naval reserve.  Because of a family illness, he returned to Presque Isle where upon the death of his father finished out his father’s plumbing and heating contracts. Duane worked most of his remaining years in the plywood, lumber, and veneer mills in engineering and plant management.   He was also responsible for purchasing and scheduling in the facilities he worked in.  Upon retirement, he worked part time for Mt. Ascutney Hospital in Security and Building Maintenance for six years.

Duane enjoyed boating, sailing, getting involved in his daughters’ sports, playing tennis, woodworking, golf, working around the yard, and watching the Celtics and NE Patriots.  After retirement, part of each year was spent in The Villages, FL.  One of his biggest pleasures was spending time with his five grandchildren.

Duane met the love of his life, Norma Pelletier, also of Presque, Isle, and they married in 1964.  He spent 55 wonderful years with her raising 3 daughters and enjoying 5 grandchildren.

Daughters are Katrina DeLaBruere and husband Bert of Jericho, VT; Richelle LaCamera and husband Doug of Mansfield, MA; and Erika Helprin of Newbury, NH.  Grandchildren are Taylor (and Fiancee Nick) of Shelburne Falls, MA; Shannon of NY City; Evan of Jericho, Vt; and Riley, and Tyler of Mansfield, MA.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Jerry Hjulstrom of Cabot, Arkansas. Other relatives include cousins, Gloria, Shirley, Elinor, and cousins in Sweden.