Duaine Ronald Svenby

Loving and devoted Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather

Duaine R. Svenby passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 4, 2016 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born in Crookston, Minnesota on August 21, 1931.

His childhood was spent in Montana and Minnesota. He loved Hockey learning to skate almost as soon as he could walk. While in College he played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and made a trip to the Olympics in Austria. Every chance he got he would take his children to hockey games, many which he refereed. He loved cars and learned at an early age to take them apart. For many years when the Pikes Peak Hill Climb was underway he would not miss it, even hitched a ride to the top with Parnelli Jones once.

Duaine served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He became a Master Sargent very quickly. After the Battle of Chosin Reservoir he was interned as a POW which he later escaped from. He returned from the war with 3 purple hearts. He would go on later in life to speak at War Colleges sharing his experience as a POW.

Duaine met the love of his life in Colorado Springs where he spotted mom singing in the choir at First Assembly of God in Colorado Springs. Dad married his beautiful wife Dolores Irene Carter at First Assembly of God on Walnut Street where he served on the board for over 20 years. They were married for over 50 years before mom passed away.

Duaine Served as Contract Specialist in the Army Air Force Exchange Service for over 30 years traveling all over the world with his job.

After retiring from his career with AAFES. He and his wife started a flag business called Svenbys Flags U.S. and Foreign. He sold his flags at over 32 military bases including Alaska, as well as many General Councils of the Assemblies of God. His flags ended up being of part of over 1,000 churches. His children and grandchildren loved working beside him when possible. He finally sold his business at 81 years of age. He was such a giving and generous man. If you go to New Life Church in Colorado Springs you will see the flags in the auditorium and outside the prayer center that were Svenbys Flags.

If you want to know what a true patriot and man of God truly is, just look at the life of Duaine Svenby. He was not only a hero of the Korean War; he was a hero of the Church.

Duaine had a true servant’s heart. He was incredibly generous and this was always displayed within the love he showed to his family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with his family more than anything else.

Duaine had a quick wit and jovial sense of humor which most often had everyone around him laughing and feeling joyful. Once his life touched yours, you were never the same.

Duaine is preceded in death by his wife Dolores Irene and his son Dwight Dean. He is survived by four children; Donavon Svenby, Darrell Svenby, Darla Svenby-Allgood and Doyle Svenby. He leaves behind eighteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren with one on the way and numerous beloved family members and friends. What an amazing man and legacy.

Visitation will take place on Monday, September 12, 2016 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO. 80903

A celebration of his life is scheduled on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 11:00am at Living Hope Church, 640 Manitou Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Private burial will take place at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Colorado Springs

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be sent to Svenby, P.O. Box 8138, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80933

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO.