R. D. Aaland "Duane" was born and raised in southeastern Minnesota on a dairy farm. After graduating from high school, he went on to college where he became an All-American wrestler. He received two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Economics and the other in Business Management. He was then employed by the United States Postal Service, where he spent thirty-two years, mostly as a manager. He also owned three different businesses during that time. He also made time to coach football, wrestling, baseball and softball for forty seasons. Since retiring, he has spent time as a substitute school teacher and a writer for a local newspaper
