SFC Retired, Duane Michael Nekola passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 in Fresno, CA. He was 77 years old. Better known as 'Nick', he was born in Reno, Nevada to Joseph and Geraldine Nekola. His family traveled extensively with his military father. He followed his Father's example and after graduating from Bonneville H.S. of Ogden, UT in 1964, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He served 2 tours in Vietnam with his USMC brothers. Some years later, he transferred to the US Army when he got married and started a family. The Army led he and his family to Korea, Germany, Hawaii and many locations in the continental U.S. He retired as Sargeant First Class in 1986, leaving Fort Ord Army Base to reside in Marina, CA, in Monterey County, where he often referred to as Home. A few years later, the Nekola family moved and made roots in Fresno, CA. There he worked as a civilian instructor at Lemoore Naval Air Station and worked on business ventures including "Back to the World", a devoted endeavor to helping military retirees make the transition to civilian life. He also attained his Associates degree in Business Management with an interest in Graphic Design from Fresno City and Fresno State University. He started a web design and ad specialty company 'Serenity Graphics' in Fresno that eventually led him and his business partner to Las Vegas, NV. There he enjoyed his creative web design work and specialty advertising storefront while he earned his B.S. in Education and Social Work at UNLV. He had many hopes to attain his Masters degree. He was passionate about education, service and helping others. He had many dreams. He made some of his come true and helped others to see their's come true. He also had a close family with Alcoholics Anonymous, where he prioritized attending meetings and devoted himself to sponsoring fellow members in maintaining a sober lifestyle. He earned many medals and master achievements and certificates in both the Marines and Army. In retirement, he proudly represented himself as a Veteran and collected new medals and certificates of love and adoration from his family and grandkids. He was and will always be loved and cherished by his children, grandchildren, friends and 'family' he collected over his 77 years.
At the time of his passing, he was survived by his daughter Brandy Jo Nekola-Thompson, daughter Trista Marie Nichols, son-in-law Ben Nichols, son Shawn Michael Nekola, daughter-n-law and heart Veronica Nekola, 9 grandchildren: Dylan and Baylee Jo Thompson, Calem and Brodie Nichols, Jasmyn, Tyler(Chrystalynn), Arianna and Donyvin Nekola, and Ethan Nekola. Also his 'little sister' Sandy Jo (Nekola) Heller, brother-in-law Rick Heller and his nieces Christie Hennessy Watson and Shelly Hennessy Moellendick.
He was preceded in death and will be reunited in Paradise with his son Dustin 'Dusty' Joseph Nekola.
A private celebration of life service for Nick will be held Monday, March 27, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Fresno, 475 North Broadway, Fresno, CA 93701. Please reach out to Nick's children if you would like to attend.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tinklerfuneralchapel.com for the Nekola family.
