Duane Heble

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