I graduated SCC-Milford in 1992 and Duane, aka “Captain Cassem” to many students, was our first quarter Machine Tool instructor. He was somewhat of the drill sergeant to weed out the weak, and he did.  While he had high expectations and requirements of students he was the foundation upon which many successful careers where built, including my own. 

I also had the honor of working and learning from Duane as a student machinist while at SCC, a truly coveted position. That’s where I learned what a genuine and dedicated man he was. He liked to challenge and support you while poking some fun and laughing along the way. 

My condolences to all of Duane’s family, friends, and former students. Just know that a little bit of him carries on in each of us.  

It makes my heart hurt to hear of the loss of Duane.  I was fortunate enough to have him as an instructor at the Milford campus Machine Tool program.  He was a tough man but a fair one too.  He took the time to guide his students in the only way he knew how.  I learned a ton about machining in his classes but also some about just being an upright, honest, hard working man at the same time. My prayers and love go out to his family during this tough time.  It does make me smile a bit to know we have one hell of a guardian angle that just joined our team. Rest easy Duane.  

My condolences and prayers for Carol and family. Duane was an excellent instructor who was meticulous in his instruction. He was dedicated in the preparation of young men and women in skill development in the Machine Tool field. I was honored to count Duane my friend. 

Lyle Neal
Former Campus Director
SCC Milford 

I'm so sorry to see Duane passed away. I think we have a shortage of good, upright, competent and moral men in this world and to see Duane is gone leaves another hole in our hearts and in our society. I was instructed by Duane and became an instructor along beside him at SCC. Both were a pleasure. Duane had a big heart and he was a force of nature. I was honored to know him.

I had the pleasure of working with Duane for 18 years at Southeast Community College. We first met during a night class Duane was instructing in basic machining and this experience significantly influenced my decision to pursue Machine Tool & Design as a career. 

Duane was highly regarded by both faculty and students.  During his tenure at SCC, he shared his vast knowledge and experience of the trade with hundreds of students from coast to coast.  Duane was a kind and caring man with a strong work ethic and set high expectations for his students which served them well into the future.  Duane’s dedication and passion for the trade and his students had a profound impact on shaping SCC’s Machine Tool & Design program into a nationally recognized program.  

Carol we are sorry for your loss.  

Sincerely, 
Mike Berg


I remember Duane as "one of the gang" who hung out at my home on weekends during my senior year in high school. We had met when he and some buddies from the Lincoln Air Base were skating at the Arena skating rink. I started going out with one of the other guys. When this bunch was at my house my parents would say they hoped they would have a house left when these guys left on Saturday nights==they liked to "horseplay" through the living and dining rooms. Duane was sort of the quiet, serious one. Here is hoping that good memories will help Carol and the family through this time.


Have  recently returned to NE after being  in the South  for 50 years.   Have fond memories of Duane, Carol and dating Dan Larson from the AFB back in 1960's.  Deep condolences to the  Cassum family.

I am at a loss for words right now because my heart is broken. So, I found a poem I would like to share.
If Rose's grow in heaven Lord
Please pick a bunch for me.
Place them in my Brother's arms
and tell him thy're from me.
Tell him that I love and miss him
and when he turns to smile.
Place a kiss upon his cheek and hold him for a while.
Because remembering him is easy, and I will do it every day.
But there is an ache within my heart,
That will never go away.
Love your Sister Hazelle

I wish I could go back to all of the times in my life that my brother, Duane, and his wife Carol,  were there for me.  I can’t even begin to count them all.  I know that if it weren’t for all of my loving brothers and sisters, tho, my life could  have been so  different.  I am so glad God chose me to be their sister, 
Duane, I am missing you, already.  I will miss our talks, our laughs, our cards, and our times together.  You and Carol were so good to me!  Sometimes, even better than I deserved...I will always remember the short sheets on my bed, lovingly and laughingly!  You were our Moe in our Three Stooges!   My heart hurts, it feels like it has lost another piece, the first piece being Denny.   Carol, and all of my family, you are all in my thoughts and always in my prayers!  


I'm sure everyone knew Duane a little differently, so I'll tell you what I know about Duane.
I know he loved the Air Force (because it was of course better than other branch). 
I know he loved playing cards (even if he made up his own rules as we went)
I know he loved family. He was a rock for his siblings and everyone could count on Duane for help (or an accomplice)
I know he loved children (him and Carol looked over many nieces and nephews through the years - myself included!!)
I also know that he loved his better half, Carol more than anything. 
And lastly, I know that myself and many others are going to miss him terribly.
Love you Duane!
& much much much much love to his ever foxy wife.

I am so sorry for your loss Aunt Carol. Uncle Duane was such an amazing man and reminded me so much of my papa. My heart is heavy and my prayers are with you.

Aunt Carol .,,I’m so sorry 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 You were so blessed with one of the best!  I only wish I could have had the  life long love  u shared❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻

OBITUARY

Duane Eugene Cassem

July 4, 1942 – September 26, 2020

Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery

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