Duane F. Aten

Duane F. Aten

May 18, 1943 – October 5, 2020

 Preceded in death by wife, Judi T. Aten; parents, Maxine and Frank Aten; and sister, Donna Burgard.  Survived by children, Darcy R. Aten and Chad M. Aten (Erin); brother, James Dean Aten; many nieces and nephews; loving cats, Izzi and Jake; and grand dogs: Emme, Lulu and Elma.

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Duane Frank Aten passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5 at Bergen Mercy Hospital while surrounded by his family. Duane was preceded in death by his wife, Judi, his parents, Rev. W. Frank and Maxine Aten, and his sister, Donna Burgard.

Duane was born on on May 18, 1943 at University Hospital in Enid, Oklahoma, to Rev. W. Frank and Maxine Aten. Duane was the second child with an older sister, Donna and later would become a big brother to James Dean, who was born nearly 7 years later.

Duane attended elementary school in Peabody, KS and went on to attend Crane Junior High School in Topeka, KS. Following Crane Junior High, he attended Topeka High School where he graduated in 1961 in a class of 709.

Shortly after graduating high school, Duane joined the United States Marine Corps. It was during this time that he met his future wife Judi at Todd’s Drive-Inn. They hit it off and got married on October 26th, 1968 in Omaha NE at Northside Christian Church. Duane’s father, Rev. W. Frank Aten officiated their wedding.

In 1971 Duane and Judi were blessed with their first child, Darcy. After living for several years in their rental house, they purchased their first home to accommodate a growing family.  It was there that they were blessed with their second child, Chad, in 1976.

Duane began his career working in the grocery business by working at Safeway before moving on to Bakers. He went to work for W.W. Grainger in 1965, where he continued to work for 46 years until his retirement in 2011.

Duane was a devoted husband and father who always put his family first. Duane loved meeting new people, and made friends everywhere he went. He was an avid Husker football fan, always cheering on the Big Red even when it made Thanksgiving family get togethers in Oklahoma rather awkward and uncomfortable during the annual Sooner and Husker showdown.  

Duane also enjoyed attending his sons football games, where he became known for his catch phrase “Way  to be!”  He also enjoyed grilling out, an occasional fishing trip with family and friends, and entertaining guests with his exceptional harmonica skills.

He is survived by his children, Darcy and Chad, daughter-in-law Erin, brother James Dean; many in-laws, nieces, nephews and special friends; loving cats, Izzy and Jake; grand dogs, Emme, LuLu and Elma.

Duane will be missed by many family and friends.

VISITATION following CDC guidelines: Friday, October 16^th from 10am to 11am, at the West Center Chapel followed by MEMORIAL SERVICE at 11am.  Memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Humane Society.

To view a live broadcast of the Visitation and Service, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the homepage.