Duane Richard Masonbrink, 83, of Humboldt, Nebraska was born on October 4, 1939, in Auburn, Nebraska to Eugene and Oma (Standerford) Masonbrink. His early school years were at Bratton Union Consolidated Schools and he later graduated from Humboldt High School with the class of 1957. After graduating, Duane attended Nebraska Wesleyan College in Lincoln for one year. At the age of 16, he joined the Nebraska National Guard and was honorably discharged in February of 1964. After college, Duane worked for his father at the Humboldt Sale Barn hauling livestock.
On February 15, 1963, Duane was united in marriage to Colleen Hall. The couple made their home in Humboldt while raising their 10 children until moving to the farm in 1973. Duane and Coleen owned and operated the Humboldt Sale Barn and farmed until selling the Sale Barn in December of 1982. The couple lived in Omaha and Lincoln where they managed apartment buildings and Duane was an over the road truck driver. In 1991, they moved back to Humboldt to their present home while Duane continued to truck until his retirement.
Duane served his community as a City Council member, Sunday school teacher and announced football games while his boys were in high school. Time spent at family get-togethers were always filled with a few trucking stories. He never met a stranger and always enjoyed a good conversation. Duane was an avid reader and always wanted to learn new things. He was confirmed at Pleasant View Church and was a long-time member of the Humboldt United Methodist Church and a supporter of the Humboldt First Presbyterian Church.
Duane went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at his home in Humboldt having reached the earthly age of eighty-three years, five months, and eleven days. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers James, children: Norman, Lesa, and Charlene, and one grandchild.
Duane is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Collen, sons: Mike (Jerri) Masonbrink, Roger (Chrysty) Masonbrink, David (Julie) Masonbrink, Ken (Cindy) Masonbrink, Patrick Masonbrink, daughters: Susie (Jim) Shupp and Brenda Franks, special friend Jack (Linda) McNealy, 22 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and one great-grand child.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Dorothy Smith officiating. Casual attire is requested by the family for those attending services. A live-stream broadcast of Duane’s service will be available on the church’s Face Book page.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at the Whery Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha street in Humboldt, Nebraska. Interment will be at the Humboldt Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.
