Duane "Dewey" Tow

life story

A Loving Father, Supportive Husband, Protective & Loyal Brother, & Legendary Father Figure to Many

Dewey was beloved by everyone he knew. He was the most devoted and loving father to his 3 boys, 3 grandchildren, & 2 Daughter in laws. In his own words when asked how he was, "Better than I deserve and I have a very blessed life." He was a loving and supportive husband to Bette Jo. Duane passed on their 44th wedding anniversary after complications from his recent knee replacement surgery.

He is already deeply missed and can never be replaced. He went to be with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and we rejoice in knowing where he is.

Duane to Some, But Dewey to All

Duane was born January 18, 1945 in Spirit Lake, Iowa to Forrest Tow and Ina Jones. Duane was the youngest of three and he was your typical baby of the family. The three were raised in Jackson, MN. His big brother Keith and older sister Marilyn took care of him and most of the chores! Dewey usually got his way, being the baby of the family. His mother tried to have all her children wear the same clothes for at least two days because laundry was such an endeavor. Dewey of course, refused AND changed his clothes three times a day, he ALWAYS needed to be clean. His "Dewey ways" started young! . They all attended Jackson High School. While in HS Duane played football ,basketball, and baseball!

He attended the University of Minnesota where he meet Bette Jo Arnett in a golf class Spring quarter of 1967. His pick up line was, "Wow, who taught you how to putt?" He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

He went on to work in sales for 3M and Xerox as well as in the beverage industry. Dewey finally popped the question after 14 long years of dating! Him and Bette Jo were married on January 2, 1982 at Mount Olivet church at 1:30 pm. He passed away at Fairview Southdale hospital on January 2, 2026 at 2:10pm, 44 years from the time he married “his best friend." After friends learned of God's impeccable timing, they said, "Dewey always liked to make a splash!"

His greatest accomplishment & blessing was becoming a father to Nathan, Nicholas, & Jeffrey. Dewey was blessed with the opportunities to ALWAYS be present in the boys lives. He volunteered at RamaLynn Montessori in Bloomington, MN for the after-school program: Sports Camp. It was at RamaLynn that his "Legendary status" had started. Again. He was always there. He always showed up. He may have been late, but he showed up and was the last to leave.

In 2004 his son Jeffy was recruited by Glen Mason to play for the Minnesota Gophers football team. That recruitment led to his son Nicholas joining the team as well as Nathan which Dewey helped make happen for his boys. He was always the boys biggest fan, supporter, and advactor. Being a Gopher parent was a great joy for him as he attended every game at home and most away games. He led the Parents Club and attended every practice.

His older brother Keith, purchased a RV and wrapped it in the boys pictures and traveled to almost every game in it! Dewey helped create some of the best memories for EVERYONE that was able to be blessed enough to ride in that coach! He always supported and encouraged his sons and other players to do the best they could. He was a constant. He always built them up and offered positive words to become better. He was a father figure to many players whose father’s could not be present.

Duane was a huge animal lover, especially BIG DOGS! Dewey and Bette Jo had a total of 7 Saint Bernard's and as many as 4 at one time! Dewey always said, "We are a BIG DOG family." That all changed when He supported his oldest son in adopted his albino Pekinese, Gizmo. Nathan gave Dewey one of the greatest gifts. Gizmo. That little rascal went EVERYWHERE with Dewey. He supported Nathan in all of his "animal adventures" through out the years.

After college he continued to support his son's professional pursuits. Jeffy signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Nick with the Dallas cowboys and later the Seattle Seahawks. Jeffy played arena league football for the Milwaukee Mustangs! Dewey went to every game!

He also supported his future daughter in law, Jessy, pursuit of her professional dreams as well. He came to visit her while she was playing professional volleyball in Puerto Rico to celebrate his 70th birthday:-)! Without the Tow's support, Jessy would have never been able to achieve what she achieved during her professional career. She became his daughter soon after meeting him and they made it official in 2014. He loved her like a daughter and she loved him like her own father.

Jeffy met Lauren in 2014 and their relationship allowed Dewey to rekindle his love for animals. Lauren shared his love for BIG Dogs and all animals! Jeffy and Lauren started Golden Gate Equestrian Center in Jordan, MN. Dewey came out to the barn and enjoyed every minute being around his son and future daughter in law AND all the animals! A very special moment was when Jeffy and Lauren arranged for the Budweiser Clydesdales to make a stop @ GGEC! Oh that brought him so much joy! Duane and Bette Jo also traveled to Florida on numerous occasions with Jeffy and Lauren for the "Horse Season" there! He was always as involved and present in his kid's lives. No matter their age. No matter their location. He showed up.

He lived to see 3 beautiful grand children.  Justus James "JJ" (3), Nelly Taylor (2.5) and Titus Jones "TT" (1). He will be remembered as “Papa". Before Dewey got sick in the summer of 2023 he would spend hours on the floor with JJ playing basketball. Everyone says that JJ looks like Dewey did when he was younger. All three grandchildren have his Blue eyes:-)!

Duane was a supportive husband as Bette Jo worked in holistic dental hygiene and became a Classical Homeopath.  He participated in holistic health for 30 years and counted on her to find holistic options that supported good health. He experienced the amazing therapy of red light to help with his brain injury which allowed him the ability to interact with family and friends.  

In the last year he was able to reflect on the blessings he received  from his own ability in sales, athletics and the great joy of watching his 3 sons play for the Minnesota Gophers.  All who met him heard the story how blessed he was in his life. His illnesses over the last 4 years humbled him, saying when asked how he was, “Better than I deserve. I have had a blessed life.”

He loved his new knee! He did 80 steps the first night he returned home from surgery.  He took out the garbage.  He shoveled snow.  He always looked on the bright side of his health challenges.

All in all he got his wish…to pass before Bette Jo. He was blessed in many ways and he kept his spirited outlook to the very end. He will be deeply missed but will live on in everyone's hearts because the of man and father he was. He loved unconditionally. And he was always looking for ways to serve his boys. Rest in peace our dear dewey. Please look out for us. We miss you and will ALWAYS love you.

Love, Your beloved Family.

memorial service

Dewey's Celebration of Life

January 27, 2026

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church (ELCA) 5025 Knox Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419, USA

We may be able to have a visitation prior to the service, we will post ASAP. There will be a reception with dessert following the service:-)!