Duane was born Feb. 28, 1934, in Carleton, Neb., the son of Rudolph and Clara (Peters) Ahrens. He grew up and received his education in Superior, Neb., graduating high school there. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army and served in the Army Corp of Engineers during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge he returned to Nebraska.

He married Crystal Langer and during their union they had three children: Julie, John and Jacqueline. They moved to Torrington, where he started Wyoming Automotive, a NAPA auto parts store. In 1983 he married Karla Beermann and during that union they adopted Kelli. He continued to work on auto air conditioners even after selling the business until his death.

Duane obtained a pilot's license and became and avid aviator. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and was very creative and resourceful. He was a member of the Torrington Rotary where he was a past president. He also served on the Torrington Airport Advisory Board and the Civil Air Patrol Search and Rescue.

Duane is survived by his wife Karla Ahrens of Torrington; daughters Julie (Dan) Holgate of Brighton, Colo., Jacqueline (Bill) Baird of Tecumseh, Neb., and Kelli (Klint) Lojka of Cheyenne; a son John (Brenda) Ahrens of Gardener, Kan.; a brother Robert (Arlene) Ahrens of Superior; sisters Dorothy (Everett) Boyles of Salina, Kan., Helen (Ralph) Platt of Superior and Carolyn (Roger) Peterson of Curtis, Neb., and; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Dale and Raymond.

Memorial services for Duane Leroy Ahrens, 83, will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2017, at the First Congregational Church with the Rev. Matt Gordon officiating.

Memorials may by given to the Torrington Senior Friendship Center.

Condolences can be left with Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska