Christian Biography of Dr. William Duane Wrench

Dr. William Duane Wrench, the son of William and Grace (Coleman) Wrench, was born on May 6, 1924 in Superior, Nebraska. He passed away on June 19, 2013 at Superior Good Samaritan Society, Superior, Nebraska at the age of 89 years, 1 month, and 13 days.

He was an honors graduate of Superior High School and a graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry.


He was united in marriage to Margaret Meehan on Nov. 22, 1945, at the Methodist Church in Superior. To this union one son, William Gregory, was born.


He was a 51 year member of the Methodist Church. He had also been a member of the Superior and Lochland country clubs. A veteran of WW II, he served with the U.S. Navy. After receiving an honorable discharge at the conclusion of the war, he returned to Superior and joined with Roy King in the practice of optomery. His first office was located at 135 East Fourth Street. In addition to the optomery office, the first floor of the building housed a barber shop, shoe repair shop, and an apartment for Dr. and Mrs. Wrench. Family members recall sharing many strawberry floats and good meals along with spirited card games played in the tiny apartment.

Dr. Wrench took pride in his automobiles and rather than let his Chrysler sit on the street, he stored it in a garage at his parents' home at 609 Bloom and walked between the garage and apartment. After moving to 1375 Idaho, he often walked between home and office and played 18 holes of golf, walking the entire way around the course.

In association with William H. Upton, a building was constructed at Third and Dakota streets to house Dr. Upton's dental practice and Dr. Wrench's optomerty practice. After practicing more than 40 years in Superior, he semi-retired and assisted a nephew, Dr. Mark Palmer, in the establishment of an optomery office in Fullerton.

Dr. and Mrs. Wrench had a new home constructed at 926 Washington Street. This was to be his home for more than 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; his wife, Margaret, on July 17, 2009; and two sisters, Doris Blauvelt and Marjorie Palmer, also in 2009.


Survivors include a brother-in-law, Dr. Maurice Palmer, Albion, Neb.; a niece and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 2:00 pm from the Megrue-Price Funeral Home in Superior, Nebraska with Rev. Dr. Jocelyn Tupper officiating.

Music was provided by Pam Hoefs, Kara Baxter and Carlita Price.

Visitation was held on Friday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery at Superior, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to go to the family.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.