Duane Leroy Whitaker

Duane L. Whitaker, 81, of Minatare passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. As per Duane’s wishes there will be no services or visitation. Interment will be in East Lawn Cemetery in Minatare, NE. Duane was born July 18, 1929 in Gering, NE to Mack and Viola (Short) Whitaker. He graduated from Minatare High School in 1948 and started working for CB&Q Railroad. He entered the Army during the Korean Conflict and served in Germany from May 9, 1951 until April 28, 1953. Duane married Virginia Arends October 3, 1953 in Minatare. Upon his honorable discharge he went back to work for the railroad and worked as an agent operator at various locations. His last day with the railroad was September 17, 1967. He started as Minatare Postmaster September 18, 1967 and retired October 2, 1992. He was a 55 year member of the American Legion. Duane liked reading western pocket books, going to Branson, MO, Deadwood, SD, and Colorado. He had a special wit and sense of humor which resulted in many friends throughout his life. Survivors include his wife Virginia; sister-in-law, Betty Case, Minatare, NE; brother-in-law: Glen (LuEtta) Arends, Minatare, NE; sister-in-law: Marjorie Arends, Kansas City, MO; several nieces and nephews, special casino friends, Floyd, Twila, Peggy and Bev and good neighbors Larry and Pat. Preceded him in death were his parents, brothers-in-law: Delbert Arends and Clifford Arends and sister-in-law Wanda of Kansas City.