Duane E. Schroeder

Duane E. Schroeder, 80 years of age, of Jansen, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at his home. He was born January 27, 1935 in Beatrice to Harold and Leola (Haecker) Schroeder. Duane was baptized February 17, 1935 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jansen and confirmed May 30, 1948 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Plymouth. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1952. Duane served in the US Naval Reserve during the Korean War from 1952 to 1960. He married Lois Thomas on September 12, 1954 at Centenary United Methodist Church in Beatrice. Duane was a lifelong farmer. He worked as a welder at Cushman’s, was a Pioneer Seed salesman for 38 years and marketed Archer Oil Lubricant for nearly 50 years. Duane was passionately involved with Tractor Pulling his entire life, traveling the national circuit in the United States and Canada and appearing on ESPN. He enjoyed fixing and making things nobody had ever done. He served as director of the Harbine Co-op and board director of the State Co-0p Council. Duane was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Plymouth, and served his Lord in various offices. He enjoyed his family, farmer friends, coffee at Harbine and especially the time spent with his Tractor Pulling family.

Duane is survived by sons, Mark and wife Barbara of Lincoln, Robert and wife Naomi of Jansen; daughter, Diane Jiskra and husband Doug of Swanton; 5 grandchildren, Danielle Nealy and husband Scott, Devin Schroeder, Megan Jiskra and fiancé Bryce Horak, Jake Jiskra, Shane Jiskra; special friend, Shirley Asmus of Omaha; 2 sisters, Joyce Heidemann and husband Lee of Jansen, Suzanne Heidemann and husband Donald of Plymouth; brothers-in-law, Leo Thomas of Beatrice, Melvin Thomas and wife Lily of Blue Springs; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife Lois on August 25, 2012.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, August 1, 2015 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Plymouth with Pastor Frederic Berger officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery west of Plymouth. A family prayer service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday at the church. Visitation will be held from 9 AM to 9 PM with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 PM Friday, July 31, 2015 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice. A memorial is suggested to the church with the church elders in charge. Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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