Duane Kallen Sr. and Lois Kallen

Ledyard — Duane Edward Kallen Sr., 80, and Lois (Doucette) Kallen, 79, spread their wings Jan. 4, 2021 and Dec. 16, 2020, respectively, after 60 years of marriage. Both courageously battled cancer. They met in Newport, R.I., in 1959, where Duane was stationed in the U.S. Navy and were married Feb. 26, 1960.

They are lovingly remembered by their children Duane Kallen Jr. of Ledyard, Bruce (Janene) Kallen of San Diego, Calif., and Kimberly (Mark) Araujo of Preston; grandchildren, Sarah (Paul) Woodin and Amber (Shannon) Young, Mason Araujo, Ian Kallen and Ali Kallen; and great-grandchildren, Rayne, Izaiah, Kayden, Lilliana and Luka. They will be greatly missed by them all.

Duane Sr. was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his parents, Ralph and Phyllis Kallen; and sister Lauren Jackett. He is survived by his sister Kandice Frampton; and brothers, Tim and Terry Kallen. He had a long career in the U.S. Navy including serving in Vietnam. He was known to his fellow sailors as “the Big Swede.” He was part of Inshore Undersea Warfare Group One Unit

4. He then had a career in security for more than 20 years.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, George and Florence Doucette; her sister Jean; and brother, Ed. She is survived by her sisters, Nan and Mary. She had a career as a tailor/seamstress. She had many passions including sewing, baking, gardening and ceramic making. She was very creative.

They enjoyed spending long summers in Nova Scotia, Canada. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are no immediate plans for a public service. The family may hold a Celebration of Life in Connecticut later.