Duane E. Messman

A Memorial Service for Duane will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Bruning, Nebraska with Pastor Warren Schoming presiding. No Visitation - Cremation. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held following the memorial service in the Bruning Public Cemetery in Bruning, Nebraska. Memorials are to be directed to the Bruning Fire & Rescue. Duane E. Messman was born to Fred and Edith (Wright) Messman on April 8, 1927 at Strang, Nebraska, and passed away August 10, 2022 at Blue Valley Nursing Home in Hebron, Nebraska at the age of 95. He was one of 4 children in the family. Duane’s family lived in several towns in the western part of Nebraska due to his father’s job. After living town to town his family returned to the Strang area where he attended grade school in Strang, Nebraska. After his completion of grade school, he attended high school at Bruning High where he graduated with the class of 1944. Less than a year after he graduated, he enlisted in our United States Navy and served stateside for 3 years. Returning from his service to our country he attended college at the University of Nebraska taking courses in agricultural studies. He was part of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity while in Lincoln. After college, he returned to Bruning to farm and established Messman Fertilizer Service in 1964. He co-managed and worked alongside his son, David, doing what he loved. Messman Fertilizer specialized in liquid fertilizer and was one of the first dealerships to implement it in the state of Nebraska. Duane was married to Joanne Dill of Belvidere, Nebraska on June 6, 1954, and to them 3 children were born. In 2019, Duane and Joanne celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. He was a lifelong member of the Bruning United Methodist Church where he held multiple positions on the church council. Duane also serviced the town of Bruning being on the Bruning Town Board. Being in agriculture, Duane was part of the Nebraska Fertilizer and Agriculture Chemical Institute serving as a past-president. He received the Industry Person of the Year award from the Fertilizer and Agriculture Institute for his service and professionalism throughout his career. He enjoyed and sang in numerous community and church choirs, cantatas, small groups and quartets. Duane loved to sing and listen to gospel music. Although he loved singing, he also enjoyed playing the guitar, which he taught himself to play. His love of music carried over to his children. Duane was a member of the Bruning American Legion - Durham-Mammen Post 166 for 75 years. He enjoyed attending his children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sports and school activities throughout the years. Being a Husker fan, he always enjoyed going to the Husker games and was a season ticket holder for 65 years. Duane never retired; he continued working daily until 3 weeks prior to his passing. His passion for his job continued to bring innovations to the local and area farmers. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne Messman; parents, Fred and Edith Messman; brother and sister-in-law, Vernon (Esther) Messman; sister, Norma Myers; and brother and sister-in-law, Dean (Jan) Messman. Duane is survived by his son, David Messman, of Bruning, Nebraska; son , Monte Messman, of Scottsdale, AZ; daughter, Ellen (David) Garrett, of Kansas City, MO; grandson, Zachary (Lindsey) Messman, of Bruning, NE; granddaughter, Zoey Messman, of Denver, CO; granddaughter, Lauren Messman, of Los Angeles, CA; grandson, Connor Messman, of Scottsdale, AZ; granddaughter, Allison Garrett, of Kansas City, MO; grandson, Jackson Garrett, of Kansas City, MO; great-grandchildren, Grayson, Ryann and Easton Messman and numerous nieces and nephews.

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Duane E. Messman

April 8, 1927 - August 10, 2022