Duane D. Ehlers was born to John and Emily (Fajman) Ehlers on August 3, 1930 on a farm just north of Leigh, Nebraska. He passed away on March 14, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Society, Superior, Nebraska at the age of 82 years, 7 months, 11 days.

He was baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church in Leigh and graduated from Leigh High School in 1948. He learned his trade of carpentry and construction at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, NE. He married Elaine Dunker on August 10, 1955, and had three children, John, Dawn and Sally

Duane was united in a second marriage to Patricia (Pat) K. Crooks on November 19, 1965. This marriage brought together two families, Duane's three, and Pat's four, Michelle, Dawn, Brian and Devrie and later the birth of two sons, Ted and Ty. In 1967, Duane, Pat and family relocated from Lynch, Nebraska to Nelson.

He was a family oriented man who put family first and could always be seen supporting his wife and children in their many activities and endeavors. He particularly enjoyed outings with friends where he and Pat were involved in numerous weekly bowling leagues and card clubs. Duane was very fond of his daily coffee with friends and would do whatever it took to make it to his coffee date. So much so, that he was often seen around town traveling to coffee in his pickup, on his scooter, or in more recent times, on his trusty 'ole lawn mower.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, wife Pat, and a granddaughter, Michelle Ehlers.

Survivors include his children: John Ehlers and wife Kathy of Octavia, Nebraska; Dawn Ehlers Griffith of Stromsburg, Nebraska; Sally Ehlers Kramar and husband John of Schuyler, Nebraska; Ted Ehlers and wife Marcia of Nelson, Nebraska; Ty Ehlers and wife Michelle (Shelly) of Wartburg, Tennessee; Michelle Soulek Perkins and husband Greg of Springfield, Missouri; Dawn Soulek Miller and husband Larry of Nelson, Nebraska; Brian Soulek and wife Sharon of Charlestown, Indiana, Devrie Soulek Hahn and husband Brian of Farm Branch, Texas, 19 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren as well as one brother, Arlan and wife Darlene of Glenwood, Iowa, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM from the Community United Church of Christ in Nelson, Nebraska with Rev. Dr. Stephen Berry officiating.

Music was "Amazing Grace," and "The Old Rugged Cross," with Alfred & Janell Hanson as vocalists and Carlita Price as the organist.

Visitation was held on Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Pallbearers were Dennis Hurt, Alfred Hanson, Kenneth Crooks, Larry Dankenbring, Floyd Tucker, Bob Drudik, Jim Lynch and Ken Himmelberg. Honorary Pallbearers were Duane's Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Interment was in the Nelson Cemetery at Nelson, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to go to the family.

Condolences may be sent to Klawitter-Price Funeral Home, 446 South Main, Nelson, Nebraska 689661 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Klawitter-Price Funeral Home of Nelson, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.