3/24/1933 – 12/13/2021
A testimony of God’s kindness
Duane was born to Ernest and Rhodina Jensen in Kenmare, ND. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth, sister Gladys Larson of Billings, MT, and first wife Karen Jensen.
Duane married Karen A. Nelson July 8, 1956. He graduated from University of North Dakota with Bachelor’s and Law degrees, and moved to Colorado Springs in 1958. Duane and Karen have three children: Roxanne was born in 1959 and is married to Dean Neuwirth; Dan was born in 1961 and is married to Bridget; Jason was born in 1966 and is married to Susi. He has nine grandchildren: Abby, Luke, Gabe, Caleb, Abe, Shaina, Josiah, Joey, and Jake. After Karen’s passing in 2011, Duane met Judy (Sink) and they married on December 1, 2012. They had nine years of joyful adventure together. Judy was a delightful partner and spouse to Duane.
Duane worked in real estate, and thrived in Christian faith and ministry. Among his visionary business endeavors, Duane was a founder in the development of Crystal Park (in the mountains above Manitou Springs) and was instrumental in the creation of Village at Skyline. He was involved in churches and Christian ministry efforts throughout Colorado Springs. He co-chaired the local Young Life committee, headed a Billy Graham evangelistic film campaign, and chaired a city-wide Church World Service campaign. He served and led in churches and organizations, including Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, First Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Bible Church, Woodmen Valley Chapel, Full Gospel Business Men’s Club, Springs Rescue Mission, and Christian Business Men’s Club. He personally was involved in prayer and Bible study groups throughout his 63 years in Colorado Springs.
Duane loved singing, riding motorcycles and bicycles, sports, and play of all kinds. He created delightful memories for his family. Mostly, he loved God and the people around him. He had a deep, graceful personal impact on many due to his own experience of God’s grace. From youth, he was a strong, willful, passionate person seeking truth. He had dramatic flaws, including alcoholism. In the mid-1960s he encountered the grace of Jesus Christ in a profound and transformational way. He was delivered from alcoholism and began life anew. From that point forward and in his unique way, Duane was able to communicate the kindness and mercy of Jesus to others through his words, deeds, and love.
Memorial Service will be at Woodmen Valley Chapel (290 E. Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs) on January 21, 2022, at 2pm MST. Livestream will be available at https://woodmenvalley.org/memorialstream