Duane John Kliewer, 88, of Omaha, Nebraska, died peacefully at home on June 15th, 2022. He was born in Santanta, Kansas, on February 15, 1934, to John and Esther Kliewer.
Duane graduated from Lawrence High in 1952 and went on to play football for a junior college before proudly serving in the US Navy for four years. During his service, he was stationed on the USS Forrestal and was also a Navy boxer. He attended the University of Kansas where he met the love of his life Marie Annette Otto and they were married in Fort Scott Kansas on November 22, 1959. They shared 62 years of marriage and were blessed with 4 children who they both devoted their time and love to, creating a legacy of family memories.
Duane received his Master’s degree from UNO in 1973. He spent his working years as a physical therapist and was both skilled and passionate about his focus on helping children. Duane was a man of strong faith and character. He was a lifelong Jayhawks fan and could always be found cheering them on. He was a creative and talented artist and loved to draw, even into his last years of life. Most importantly he was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, and will be tremendously missed by all who knew and loved him.
Duane is survived by his wife Marie Annette Kliewer; his children Brian Kliewer (Kim), Lisa Lind (Cameron), Julie Havener (David), and John Kliewer; his grandchildren Lindsey Kliewer and Anthony Lind; and many other beloved relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Esther Kliewer, and sister Geraldine “Gerry” Dodge.
Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com. Memorials may be sent to The Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701.
