John Michael Durfee

John Michael Durfee, age 73, of Cloquet, MN, peacefully joined his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at his home.

John was born in Duluth, MN, on October 10, 1952, the son of the late John and Gayle (Erwyck) Durfee. He was raised in Duluth and graduated from Denfeld High School.  He retired from Northwestern Bell/CenturyLink after 35 years of service.

John was married to the love of his life, Mary (Northrup), for over 50 years. Together, they lived in Duluth before settling in Cloquet, where they raised three children and built a life filled with love and purpose.

John was a dedicated and hardworking man—a God-fearing, proud American. He was a devoted father and a beloved “Boppa.” As a hockey dad, he didn’t just coach—he built lifelong friendships and a strong sense of community. The time spent on the ice created lasting bonds and a network of support that endured throughout his life. He remained his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan as they grew older.

He was passionate about his sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings, and was a devoted fan of both the Minnesota Wild and the former Minnesota North Stars.

John’s love for God was not just something he spoke about—it was something he lived. He found peace in nature and had a deep respect for the world around him. He enjoyed spending time outdoors with his dogs, feeding deer, and making fishing lures.

Our beloved patriarch will be remembered for his strong convictions. He was not a man who wavered and was never afraid to speak his mind. Whether you agreed with him or not, you always knew where he stood. Yet beneath that strength was a lasting softness—he truly had the biggest heart.

And in the end, that is what remains: his faith, his strength, and the unwavering way he loved his family.

John is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Mary (Northrup); his children: Heather (Eric) Abrahamson; John Paul “JP” (Vienna) Durfee; and Christopher (Della Rae) Durfee; his grandchildren: Gustaf Abrahamson, Megan Abrahamson, Hayden Durfee, Kylee Durfee, Jamin Durfee, Trevor Durfee, Delilah Durfee, Alaina Durfee, Chaz Durfee, Cruz Durfee, Bradley (Sara) Durfee, Leticia (Josh) McGraw, Antonio Sarazua, Sarah (Zachary) Richards, and Hannah Durfee; and his great-grandchildren: Chandler and Gracelyn McGraw.

He is also survived by his siblings, in birth order: Jill Durfee, Timothy Durfee, Peter (Karen) Durfee, BethAnn Durfee, and Thomas Durfee; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Donald “Jack” and Gayle Durfee; his brother, Michael Durfee; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Michael Thomas, Scott Zubic, Sarah Zubic, and Nathan Durfee.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Fond du Lac Head Start, 33 University Rd, Cloquet, MN 55720.