Duane Dale Clausen

Duane Dale Clausen was born in Leigh, Nebraska January 19, 1926 to Olie and Florence (Glandt) Clausen. He attended country school in Stanton County and graduated from Howells High School in 1944. At the age of 18, Duane was drafted into the U.S. Navy for WWII service in the Pacific. He boarded the USS Randall (APA-224) on Christmas Day in 1944 and received honorable discharge from service in 1946. His service as a naval electrician prepared him well for future civilian work with small electric companies in rural Nebraska, and later a career with the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) from which he retired in 1991 after 33 years. With his wife Patricia (Pat), countless adventures were shared. They moved to Valley, Nebraska in 1958. Duane was Cub Scout Master for many years and always eager to become involved with initiatives for the good of the community. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion, serving as Commander of the American Legion Post #58 in 1969. Together, Duane and Pat enjoyed planning reunions for the shipmates of the USS Randall. For 26 years they traveled annually with the group to many states, as shipmates enjoyed swapping tales and sharing camaraderie. Duane’s real passion was aviation. He learned to fly after returning from the war, earning his private pilot license in 1948. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Chapter 80 – an organization through which he flew 311 “Young Eagles,” providing the first flying experience for young boys and girls. He was also a member of the Quiet Birdmen (QB) Nebraska Hangar from which he briefly demitted to charter a hangar in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In March of 2022, Duane was recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, honoring those with 50+ years of safe piloting experience. Duane enjoyed visiting with everyone – especially friends at the BREW Coffee House in Valley and the OPPD first Thursday Cracker Barrel Group. A man of integrity and honor, Duane is survived by his wife, Patricia (Pat); sons Philip of Cary, NC and David (Sarah) of Westminster, CO; daughter Donna (Ed) Ronnebaum of Shawnee, KS; brother LaVern of Schuyler, NE; sisters Nadine Dieckman of Monte Vista, CO and Bonnie Converse of Lincoln, NE; and many loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends. 73s to you...husband, father and friend. You are missed beyond measure. FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, 10:30am, Reichmuth Funeral Home, 21901 West Maple, Elkhorn, NE. Livestream at www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com. VISITATION: one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, Memorials to the family for later designation. INTERMENT with military honors: 2:00pm, Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Rd., Omaha, NE. Celebration of Life at a later date.

Duane Dale Clausen

January 19, 1926 - September 21, 2022