Duane C. Heble, 87, of Colby, KS passed away on Aug. 20th, 2022, at Citizens Medical Center, Colby, KS.
Duane was born in Benkelman, NE, May 6th, 1935, he was the 3rd child of
Henry and Francis (Micek) Heble. Duane spent his childhood on the family
farm, north of Atwood KS, and attended a country school through the 8th
grade & Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, surrounded by
Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He attended High School and graduated in 1954
from St Joes’ Military Academy, in Hays, KS.
Duane enlisted in the US Army and served in Korea. He returned to Kansas
and the family farm after his service. He met and married Marilyn
Depperschmidt, Oct 6, 1962, and they moved to Colby, KS where they
welcomed and raised 3 children.
In addition to farming, he began working at KN Energy in 1964. For 30+
years he would use his evenings, weekends, and vacation time to farm,
which he took great pride in and demonstrated an incredible work ethic
to his family. During his time at KN he became a skilled welder, a skill
he used well into retirement to “modify” and engineer all sorts of
things. Even though it was a demanding schedule he still took time to be
involved in and enjoyed his kids’ activities some of which included
Boys Scouts, Colby Swim Club, and coaching baseball teams.
Duane was a devout member of the Colby Sacred Heart Church, and over the
years was an active member in Knights of Columbus, Parish Council, the
cemetery and auction committee. One of his favorite roles after he
retired was driving the school bus for the Sacred Heart School.
After retiring from KN Energy in 1995 it allowed more time for farming,
and to explore other interests. He enjoyed A LOT of fishing and started
an annual fishing trip with his son Blaine, brother in-laws and nephews
which has now grown to include his grandsons. A tradition that has
continued for the last 25+ years. After the trip last fall when all his
grandsons were able to join him, he told us that would probably be the
last year he would be able to go.
Duane was a lifelong learner and would “sit in” on classes at the
college and was able to participate in several history classes and an
archeological dig.
He also enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren and
attended as many sporting events, school activities, dance recitals and
graduations as possible. They were a great source of joy and pride for
him.
In all his endeavors he collected friends and stories. Duane loved to
tell stories, many times the stories he told were better than the actual
event itself. It is hard to talk about Duane, whether family, friend,
acquaintance and not have a “story” to tell.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Francis Heble;
sister Sr. Phyllis Marie Heble; brother Ron Heble, and his beloved
daughter Brenda Heble.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Marilyn, of
Colby, KS; children, Blaine (Vonceile), of Lindsborg, KS, and Becky
(Scot) Bullock, of Leawood, KS; brother, Richard Heble, and his
grandchildren, Hanna (Trevor) Whittaker, Clare Bullock, Colby Bullock,
Blake Heble, Carly Bullock, and Brandt Heble.
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August
23, 2022, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, KS. The Funeral Mass is at 10:30
a.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby,
with interment in the church cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart School and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com