Duane R. Polodna

1947 - 2025

Duane R. Polodna

August 14, 1947 - March 26, 2025

Duane Robert Polodna, age 67, passed away on March 26, 2025, at Josie Hospice House in Omaha, with family and friends by his side.

Born on August 14, 1957, in Schuyler, NE, where he grew up farming in Clarkson with his family. He attended Wayne State College where he met the love of his life, Kathleen, who were married for 44 years. Duane and Kathleen moved to Omaha where he joined Arthur Young and Company as a CPA. He continued his career at US West in Finance and Strategic Planning, Sr Vice President/CFO for the Omaha World Herald and Sr Vice President/CFO for BH Media Group, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary.

Duane was a very talented rising star in Omaha who was sought after and destined to become a leader at US West Corporate Headquarters in Denver, CO. However, he chose not to uproot his young family and instead left the phone company to embark on a highly successful and fast-tracked career at the Omaha World Herald.

He was well respected in the community as he held positions on multiple boards including The Archdiocese of Omaha, Skutt Catholic High School, St. Andrew's Pointe, and Wayne State College where he was on the Board of Trustees. He also had his own private CPA practice that continued well into his retirement.

Duane loved getting back to his roots on the farm. So much so that he and Kathleen purchased a farm in the Loess Hills where they spent many evenings stargazing and watching the Northern Lights. It was a passion that he and Kathleen shared together. He also enjoyed playing golf, cheering on the Cornhuskers, reading the newspaper, Clarkson Czech Days and traveling to see his family in Redondo Beach, CA., and in Kansas City. His greatest joy came from being a grandfather to Malachi and Robbie Rose, cherishing every moment spent with them.

A man of boundless energy, unwavering positive outlook on life, and strong work ethic, Duane was known for his generosity and charitable spirit; whether lending a helping hand or offering words of encouragement and guidance, he made a lasting impact on those around him. Those who knew him knew his answer was always "yes" and with the drop of a hat he would go out of his way to help someone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mariann Polodna.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; children, Angela Kenney (Mal), Brian Polodna (Anna); grandchildren, Malachi Kenney and Robbie Polodna; siblings, Diane Vig (Gary), Donald Polodna (Nancy), and Daniel Polodna (Cheryl).

VISITATION begins Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2 p.m., with a WAKE SERVICE at 4 p.m., at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street, Omaha. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, March 31, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler

West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Rd.

402-391-3900 | www.heafeyheafey.com