Duane E. Neitzel was born December 2, 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska to John and Viola Neitzel. Duane moved to Springfield in the late 1940’s and attended Springfield Elementary and Springfield High School. Duane was involved in athletics throughout his high school career where he was a four year starter on the basketball team. Duane was the final living member of the 1956 Springfield High School state basketball tournament team comprised of Webster, Blum, Kiger, Joern, and Duane which they lost on a half court shot in the semi-finals.
Duane attended Dana College after high school where he played baseball and basketball for two years. He also attended Peru State College to become a teacher and coach. After college he worked for the State of Nebraska Right of Way Office. Duane joined Neitzel Oil Company at the urging of his father John Neitzel, along with his brother Don.
Duane married his high school sweetheart Joyce Smith on September 1, 1962. They had three children Michael, Natalie and Monte. Duane worked at the family business, Neitzel Oil Co. during his working years. During his time at Neitzel Oil Co. they began an ice business, ice cream business, and fireworks to name a few. He dabbled in real estate with Carl Hibbeler throughout the area and was a “house flipper” well before his time. Duane was an avid supporter of Springfield and served as a City Councilman and Mayor for over two decades. In the 1980’s, Duane started his second career as a rural mail carrier. If you knew Duane, you knew he had a love of sports. Duane played softball well into his 60’s for the Dew Drop Red and Golden Oldies mixed league managed by his good friend, Jerry “Ozzy” Osborn.
In retirement, Duane enjoyed playing golf, going to his grandkids sporting events, dance recitals, talking about anything sports related and more recently poker Thursdays with his friends at the Legion. Most of all Duane loved his family and having his kids and grandkids around him.
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