Duane Riedel

In loving memory of Duane Edwin Riedel, 69, Arvada, CO, we are saddened to announce his passing on August 11, 2023, with his family by his side. Duane was born on April 9, 1954 in Ellis, KS to Edward and Bertha (Flax) Riedel. Duane attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from Ellis High School in 1972. He married Veronika Lynn Bennett on September 3, 1983. Together they raised two children, April and John.

After high school graduation, Duane enlisted in the United States Army on March 31, 1977, gained the rank of sergeant, and was honorably discharged on March 28, 1983. Duane was proudly decorated with the National Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Expert Badge (Rifle M-16); and Army Commendation Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster. He was employed by and retired from Yellow Freight Trucking.

After retirement Duane and his family settled in Arvada, CO, where he started his own handyman business. Duane was a master jack-of-all-trades and always loved helping others. Duane’s passion and hobby was his Cougar Eliminator automobile as well as other Cougar body styles.

Duane is survived by his partner and best friend, Veronika, his children, April and John, and grandchildren, Christian, Kaleb, Colton, Ellie, Gray and Gracelyn. He is also survived by his siblings, Judy (Vic) Manz, Arvada, CO, Joyce Richardson, Arvada, CO, Wanda (David) Hill, Peyton, CO, Bernita Augustine, WaKeeney, KS, Melvin (Donna) Riedel, Marvin (Arlene) Riedel, Mary Kay (Curtis) Weber, all from Ellis, KS, Darren Riedel of Talala, OK, and sister-in-Law, Laura Riedel, of Wichita, KS, and many nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Bertha, and brother, Troy Riedel.

Duane made friends easily and will be missed by so many lifelong friends and acquaintances.

To honor Duane's memory, a celebration of his life will be 1:00 PM Friday with a funeral mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Inurnment will follow at the Kansas State Veterans’ Cemetery in Wakeeney, KS.

Duane’s family will gather in the church vestibule to greet guests from 12:30 until service time on Friday.

Friends, along with family, are invited to attend to remember Duane and celebrate his life.

Memorial contributions in Duane’s honor are to be designated at a later date and may be made payable to Bernita Augustine, 708 N. 3rd St., Wakeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be shared on Duane’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.