Died Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Providence Place in Fremont.
Duane was born near Ames, Nebraska on January 20, 1933 to Oscar and Verna (Markussen) Brand. He was baptized and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church in Fremont and attended Dist. #63 country school, graduating in 1951 from Fremont High.
He married Elaine Bang in 1952 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953 serving two years as a tank mechanic. After the service he was employed at the Hormel Packing Company, maintained roads for Nickerson Township and managed a large egg production facility. The rest of his life he spent doing what he loved - farming the land.
Through the years he volunteered as a 4-H leader, served on a local farmers coop, and was involved with the Mexico Mission Builders and Fellowship of Christian Farmers donating his time building schools and churches and transporting medical supplies to Galeana, Mexico.
In later years, along with continuing to help with farming, he drove a school bus route, and delivered camping trailers across the United States and Canada many times stopping to see the countryside along the way or visiting family and friends. He and Elaine spent some winters in Texas and also travelled to Alaska, Denmark, Germany and other countries in Europe.
Duane was a member of Bluffs Trinity Lutheran Church serving on the council and as treasurer. He sang in the church choir for 60 years and often sang solos at churches and care centers. He loved helping other people and was always willing to lend a hand for any task to be done.
He often said, ''the good Lord is always too good to me'' and so he shared his time and generosity with others, which speaks to his life of service and love to the Lord.
He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Art and Mabel Bang, brothers Myron and Kenny, sister Marilyn, brother and sister in-law Lyle and Jeanyne Bang and brother in-law Ray Janssen.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine, children Kirk (Jeanne) Brand, Susan (Jeff) Baumgartner, and Paula (Kevin) Prinz, grandchildren Ryan Brand, Angela (Brent) Willnerd, Eric Brand, Mark (Maggi) Baumgartner, Nathan Baumgartner, Kenny (Sara) Prinz, great-grandchildren Devin, Braeden and Lainey Willnerd, Jace and Bailey Prinz, brothers Darold, Steve, and Randy, sisters-in-law Anita and Connie Brand and Nancy Janssen.
Visitation will be Sunday, December 15, 2024 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel with the family present from 3pm to 5pm. The funeral will be Monday, December 16, 2024 at 2pm at Bluffs Trinity Lutheran Church northwest of Fremont. Burial will follow in the Bluffs Trinity Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Bluffs Trinity or may be directed to the family.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(4)
Sons of Raymond Springan
Fremont, NE Wednesday, December 18, 2024 Our sympathy to the family of Duane Brand.Bill and Kris Farris
Marshalltown, IA Sunday, December 15, 2024 Thinking of you Paula, sorry for your loss. Duane is in a beautiful place know.June Westphal
Fremont, NE Saturday, December 14, 2024 Elaine I am so sorry to read about Duane. May your memories keep a smile on your face when you think of him. My sincere condolences.Bev Rasmussen
Wahoo, NE Friday, December 13, 2024 Elaine and familyMy sincere sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. I have fond memories of meeting up with Duane when we were delivering campers.
My love to you and your family.
May God be with you ❤️🙏