Duane Lee Kimle

Duane Lee Kimle, 91, of Kenesaw, Nebraska went to his heavenly home on March 12, 2025 to rest for eternity in the comforting arms of Jesus. Visitation will be at Apfel Funeral Home in Kenesaw on Sunday, March 16 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. The funeral service will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kenesaw on Monday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Paul Duffy officiating. A luncheon will be held in the fellowship hall following the interment at Kenesaw Cemetery. Memorials in his honor may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or the Kenesaw Community Development Corporation/Auditorium.

Duane was given life by his Creator and was born on October 18, 1933 in Holstein, Nebraska, the child of Emil and Florence (Schlacter) Kimle. On November 12, 1933 Duane received the gift of Holy Baptism and became a child of God. Duane attended Shiloh School through eighth grade. On March 30, 1947, he was Confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church. He graduated from Kenesaw High School in 1951. He was united in marriage to LaDonna (Nielsen) on September 25, 1955 at Fredericksburg Lutheran Church. They were blessed with 68 years of married life together. God gifted them with three children, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

God blessed Duane with a love for all things pertaining to the good life in Nebraska and grain farming. God also gifted him with carpentry skills that enabled him to build and remodel many homes in the Hastings and Kenesaw areas. Many of the homes Duane worked on together with his brother-in-law, Jack Powell. In 2005, Duane and his sons received the Kiwanis Club Farm Family of the Year. Later this year, the Kimle family will be recognized for the home place being in the family for 100 years. Duane was active in Fellowship League and Lutheran Laymen’s League at church. Some of his favorite activities included playing cards, square dancing in Minden, refinishing antique furniture, and enjoying the company of family and friends. He will be dearly missed and always remembered as a faithful follower of Jesus, a devoted husband, a loving brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and a trusted friend.

Duane is survived by his children, Mark (Sandy) Kimle, Marcia (Rev. John) Diener and Marlin (Jill) Kimle; grandchildren, Mitchell (Krista) Kimle and Aaron Kimle, Rev. Michael (Bethany) and Matthew (Allison) Diener, Kassandra and Blake Kimle; great grandchildren, Olivia, Landon, and Connor Diener, Madelyn Diener and Rory Kimle; sister, Jean Powell, sister-in-law, Darlene Case; and many treasured cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Florence and his dear wife, LaDonna. We thank God that Duane is now at home with his Lord and at rest from his labors as together we look forward to the coming of our Lord at the Last Day.