Duane Reuben Van Patter

Duane Reuben Van Patter died peacefully February 13, 2018 due to complications from Alzheimer Disease. Duane, age 84, was born in Royal, Nebraska on September 7, 1933. Duane was a quiet soul who enjoyed tinkering in his shop welding old farming equipment pieces together into lovely art.

Duane proudly served during peace time with the U.S Army in Italy from July 10, 1956 to June 9, 1958. Upon discharge from the army and returning home to Nebraska he married childhood friend and sweetheart Jolene Kay Holm on May 31, 1959. To this union three sons were born: Philip Wayne, Marvin Duane, and Michael Dale.

Duane and his family farmed 440 acres in Neligh, Nebraska before moving to Clay Center, Nebraska in 1976. After moving to Clay Center, Duane went to work for the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center as a Feed Mill Operator, retiring after 22 years. Duane and Jolene moved to Arizona in 2013 to enjoy time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Duane is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jolene Van Patter of Glendale, Arizona, sons Philip (Laurie) Van Patter of Hastings, Nebraska, Marvin Van Patter of Phoenix, Arizona, Michael (Lynn) Van Patter of Phoenix, Arizona, grandchildren Cyndie Renae (Ben) Stepp of Litchfield Park, Arizona, twins Skylar Shaye and Michael Colt Van Patter of Phoenix, Arizona and two great-grandsons Hudson Carter and Ryker Kade Stepp of Litchfield Park. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents Raymond Wayne and Ruth Gladys (Briggs) Van Patter, siblings William Harold Van Patter, Naomi Hope Van Patter Marrs, his twin brother Dwight Marvin Van Patter and granddaughter Brandie Colleen Curtis Van Patter.