Duane R. Polodna
Aug. 14, 1957 – March 26, 2025
Duane Robert Polodna, 67, passed away on March 26, 2025, at Josie Hospice House in Omaha, Nebraska, with family and friends by his side.
Born on August 14, 1957, in Schuyler, Nebraska, where he grew up farming in Clarkson with his family. He attended Wayne State College, where he met the love of his life, Kathleen. They enjoyed a wonderful marriage for 44 years. Duane and Kathleen moved to Omaha, where he joined Arthur Young and Company as a CPA. He continued his career at US West in Finance and Strategic Planning. He joined the Omaha World Herald as a Treasurer, he rose to Senior Vice President/CFO and Senior Vice President/CFO for BH Media Group, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary.
Duane was a very talented rising star in Omaha who was sought after and destined to become a leader at US West Corporate Headquarters in Denver. However, he chose not to uproot his young family and instead left the phone company to embark on a highly successful and fast-tracked career at the Omaha World Herald.
He was well respected in the community as he held positions on multiple boards including The Archdiocese of Omaha, Skutt Catholic High School, St. Andrew’s Pointe, and Wayne State College where he was on the Board of Trustees. He also had his own private CPA practice that continued well into his retirement.
Duane loved getting back to his roots on the farm. So much so that he and Kathleen purchased a farm in the Loess Hills where they spent many evenings stargazing and watching the Northern Lights. It was a passion that he and Kathleen shared together. He also enjoyed playing golf, cheering on the Cornhuskers, reading the newspaper, Clarkson Czech Days and traveling to see his family in Redondo Beach, CA., and in Kansas City. His greatest joy came from being a grandfather to Malachi and Robbie Rose, cherishing every moment spent with them.
A man of boundless energy, unwavering positive outlook on life, and strong work ethic, Duane was known for his generosity and charitable spirit; whether lending a helping hand or offering words of encouragement and guidance, he made a lasting impact on those around him.
Those who knew him knew his answer was always “yes” and with the drop of a hat he would go out of his way to help someone.
He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mariann Polodna. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; children; Angela Kenney (Mal), Brian Polodna (Anna); grandchildren: Malachi Kenney and Robbie Polodna; siblings: Diane Vig (Gary), Donald Polodna (Nancy), and Daniel Polodna (Cheryl).
Memorials will be directed by family.
Visitation: begins Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2pm with a Wake Service at 4pm at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street, Omaha.
Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, March 31, 2025, at 10:30am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church with lunch to follow.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
19 Comments
We love you guys and are grateful and blessed Duane was part of our lives. A great man and a true friend.
Trudy and I were saddened to hear of Duane’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Duane’s family and friends. He was a tremendous friend.
We send our love and condolences to all. We are deeply saddened to hear he has passed. Duane won the hearts of our family many years ago. Linda Riha Scholting
I am so very sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to be one of those Duane said ‘yes’ to when I asked for help. Please know all of the Polodna’s are in our thoughts and prayers.
Very sorry to hear about Duane. We worked together for many years at the World-Herald. A very nice man who will be missed.
Duane was a fabulous person shown by his involvement in the community, loving husband, father and Grandfather. Great neighbor for years. Cheers to a life well lived!
Sending condolences to Kathleen and the rest of Duane’s family. I was always in awe of Duane at WSC. He was such a good guy. I am honored to have known him.
So sorry to hear of this. Duane was an absolute gentlemen and pure pleasure to be around. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kathleen and family.
As an altruist, Duane exhibited that special quality of concern for others. It is clear that he loved his family and neighbors, and he taught my students many important lessons of life. Eternally grateful, rest in peace!
Duane was a great friend and member of the Archdiocese Committee for Development Investment /; Finance Committee for many years. God Bless.
Dear Kathleen and family. I am so very sad to read about Duane. He was a beautiful person and loved by you all and friends in Omaha.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Difonzo Siever
Kathleen, my deepest sympathy to you and yours. So very sorry to learn of your deep loss. Sue Danielson
So sorry to hear this.Growing up as a kid we were always running around the neighborhood. He was always there to lend a helping hand if we needed. Truly one of the great neighbors to have. Sure will be missed
Thoughts and prayers to the Polodena family. Duane was one of the kindest people I had ever met. I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile. RIP, you will be missed by many.
I will always remember Duane’s smile when whenever I would see him. A man a person who met him, will never forget. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers to Kathleen and the family.
Our condolences Kathleen & family. We can’t imagine your heartache. You guys are a beautiful couple. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💙
Our thoughts are with Duane’s family. He warmly welcomed my family to Omaha in 2015 when we moved there for a role with BH Media Group and The World-Herald. Duane and I both grew up on farms in small towns, and we spoke about how that shaped us. Duane touched many, many lives and will be missed.
I’m so sorry to hear of Duane’s passing! I just found out last night and had no idea he had been ill! I spent my childhood years being his neighbor right across the road and then was his classmate at Clarkson High! I will always remember him as a very kind person and always willing to help out others! Sympathies to his family. Rest in Peaxe Duane
Sincere condolences 💐 for a life well lived ! Gone too soon . God bless .
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