Duane Vernon Rigge, age 80, of Fortuna, CA passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026.

He was born on March 17, 1946 in Stockton, CA to Vernon and Sue Rigge. He married his high school sweetheart, Susan, in 1967.

He served in the US Navy for 23 years, retiring in 1993 with the rank of Commander. Duane and Susan moved to the beautiful Redwoods where he worked as the City Manager of both Blue Lake and Fortuna.

He had a deep passion for boating and will be remembered for his amazing ability to make conversation with anyone.

Duane is survived by Susan, his children Mike and Sherry, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

No services will be held at Duane’s request. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Humboldt.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Duane Rigge’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.