Duane Walter

Jan. 19, 1930--Oct. 22, 2010

LOVELAND, Colorado -- The family of Duane Walter rejoice that their husband, father, and grandfather is now with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Duane, 80, passed away on Friday (Oct. 22, 2010), following an 18-month battle with colon cancer. He was born Jan. 9, 1930, in Holbrook, Nebraska, to Casper "C.J." and Jenny (Huxoll) Walter. Duane grew up on a farm south of Holbrook and attended country school. He moved with his family to Cambridge, Nebraska in 1943, and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1948. He was the first sibling in his family to have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma. He excelled in all high school sports and played the trumpet.

Duane proudly served in the U.S. Air Force in Austin, Texas, England, and Japan from 1950-53. He married Lois ten Bensel on Jan. 9, 1952.

Duane farmed and ranched south of Holbrook until 1979. After retiring from farming, he moved his family to Loveland, Colorado. Duane worked as a supervisor at LaBelle's Department Store in Fort Collins, Colorado until 1984. He volunteered as a master gardener for Colorado State University extension service from 1986-98. Duane enjoyed using his farming background to help others with lawn, gardening, and landscape problems. During his master gardener years, Duane also judged garden and flower exhibits at numerous Colorado county fairs and managed the Loveland Farmer's Market.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Loveland. Duane loved spending time with his family. He was a life-long Nebraska Cornhusker football fan and together with Lois, enjoyed CSU women's basketball and volleyball as season ticket-holders.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Lois Walter of Loveland, Colorado; sons, Steve Walter of Loveland, Gary Walter and wife, Kathy of Loveland, Rod Walter and wife, Barb of LeMars, Iowa; daughters, Janet Hazen and husband, Dave of Loveland, Judy Hartman and husband, David of Longmont, Colorado.

He was blessed with eleven grandchildren, Brian Walter, Ericka Stephany and husband, Chuck; Lindsey Walter, Grant Walter and wife, Mollee; Johanna, Elley, Luke, and Lana Hartman, Jeff Hartman and wife, Joy; Christina and Matthew Hazen. He is also survived by three brothers, Harold Walter of Norfolk, Nebraska, Otto Walter of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and Dr. Paul Walter of Atlanta, Georgia; and sister, Eleanor Schutte of Mobile, Alabama.

Preceded in death by his parents; brother Art; and infant brother.

A private family burial has taken place. A memorial service, with reception following, is Tuesday, 3 p.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Loveland.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, or Pathways Hospice.

The online obituary can be viewed at www.allnutt.com cards of condolences can be sent to 2100 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO