Pat DuBois

Pat DuBois (born Benjamin Faville DuBois Jr.) was born November 2, 1915 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Ben and Cecile (Gallagher) DuBois. He lived in Sauk Centre all of his life, except for time spent in the military. Pat graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1933. Instead of pursuing a football scholarship to Cornell College in Iowa, he accepted a job offer with the Minnesota Banking Department examining banks. In 1940 he began working for the Independent Bankers Association, helping to expand membership in the states surrounding Minnesota. In later years, the Association grew to become a national organization and a champion of independent banking. Following in his father's footsteps, Pat served as President of the Association from 1966-67. In 1941 Pat was appointed Postmaster of Sauk Centre, a position he held until 1946, and during those years he also served in both the Army and Navy. In 1947 he returned to the First State Bank as a Vice President. Over the years he moved up to President and Chairman of the Board. Pat continued to work through December 31, 2012 and presided over the Board of Directors until his death.

Pat served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1962 until 1968 and was assistant minority leader for the DFL during the last two of his three terms. He grew up working on the family farm by Fairy Lake and farming was a great passion of his. He served on the Agriculture Rural America Committee and worked tirelessly to promote agriculture.

Pat was a great supporter of the community of Sauk Centre and held many leadership positions in community organizations. He was particularly proud of his service in the Fire Department (where he served for 31 years and was assistant chief for 12 years) and of his association with the Sauk Centre Country Club.

Pat met Janet Steiner while in high school and always reported that he fell in love at first sight. They married on December 29, 1938 and were together until Janet's death on October 2, 2012. They loved being by Sauk Lake and enjoyed the beautiful view and the birds at the feeder. Pat passed away surrounded by family on Monday, January 7, 2013, at CentraCare St. Michael's Hospital in Sauk Centre at the age of 97.

Pat is survived by daughter, Susan (Roger) Beuning of Sauk Centre and their children, Sarah Beuning (John Martin) of Springfield, Illinois, Eric Beuning of Sauk Centre, Scott (Lindsay) Beuning of Sauk Centre, and Steven Beuning of Edina; daughter, Barbara Carlson and her son, Tyler Carlson (fiancée Kate Droske) of Sauk Centre; great-granddaughters, Lila Martin and Hazel Beuning. He is also survived by his brother David's wife, Margaret DuBois of Sauk Centre.

Pat was preceded in death by his wife Janet; infant son, Michael; sisters Laura Tonn and Mary Fox and brothers David and John DuBois.

Pat influenced many people throughout the course of his life and was a man of unquestioned character. His legacy now resides in all of those whom he so positively touched.

An informal celebration of Pat's life will be held this Saturday, January 12, 2013, from 3 to 5:30pm at the Sauk Centre Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Sauk Centre Historical Society, the Sauk Centre Bryant Library, and CentraCare St. Michael's Hospital Foundation. Memorials may be sent directly to these organizations or in care of First State Bank, P.O. Box 266, Sauk Centre, Minnesota 56378.