05/11/2026
Duane Leo Becker, 92, left this world peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. Over the course of his life, Duane wore many hats: entrepreneur, small business owner, real estate developer, philanthropist, farmer, banker, regional manager, tire salesman, gas station owner, factory worker, and farm laborer. But his favorite roles were Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, and Dad.
Duane was born on September 29, 1933, to William Henry (“Bill”) Becker and Golda Viola (“Vi”) Clarkson. Although he had an older brother, Harold, the 13-year age gap meant Duane spent much of his childhood as if he were an only child after Harold left home to serve in the military. Duane grew up in Delmar, Iowa, a place he treasured deeply and always considered home. He graduated from Delmar High School in 1951, where he was a standout basketball player and met his high school sweetheart, Nancy Hebbeln — not only the Prom Queen, but the queen of his heart.
Duane and Nancy married and built an extraordinary life together over 72 years of marriage, until Nancy’s passing in June 2023. Together they raised three children: Ed Becker (wife Cyndy) of Shawnee; Sandra (“Sandy”) Becker of Lansing; and Susan (“Susie”) Loftus, who lost her battle with cancer in July 2023. Duane also adopted his granddaughter, Hollie Mae Becker of Lansing.
Duane is also survived by grandchildren Leo (Brianna) Becker of Leavenworth; Hillary (Josh) Hance of Alabama; Mitchell Loftus; Jordan (Jayme) Loftus of Lenexa; Nolan Loftus of Shawnee; and great-grandchildren Xander, Kloey, Golda, Oliver, Viola, Theodore, Christopher, and Eloise.
A lifelong member of Delmar United Methodist Church, Duane believed strongly in hard work, personal responsibility, and the Golden Rule. He could always be counted on in a crisis and was often sought out for advice — whether people wanted it or not. His family will sorely miss sitting around the kitchen table drinking coffee and talking through life’s challenges. Duane often reminded people that many of life’s problems start “in the mirror,” frequently asking, “Do two wrongs make a right?” He also generously shared practical wisdom such as, “Never eat yellow snow.”
Duane was, by every account, “quite a guy” and a true character. He loved teasing the people he cared about most, affectionately calling loved ones a “pain in the ass” while helping them anyway. He might grumble the whole time, but if you needed him, he showed up. No matter where life took you, you always knew you could come home.
He never liked to be in a hurry and believed being early was the only acceptable way to arrive anywhere. He refused to let his gas tank dip below half full, enjoyed driving the countryside with Nancy to check on the farmland and cattle, loved Chiefs football, Westerns, showing horses, traveling, and spending time with family.
He never met a stranger and impacted countless lives through both his businesses and his philanthropy — from funding scholarships, supporting his beloved CW Parker Carousel Museum, to helping his hometown of Delmar build new pickleball courts.
After losing Nancy and Susie in 2023, Duane often spoke of missing them deeply, and his family finds comfort in imagining their reunion.
Duane went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 7, 2026. He leaves behind a family who will forever miss his stories, his stubborn streak, his jokes, his advice, and the unmistakable presence he brought into every room. He worked hard, loved deeply, gave generously, and lived life fully on his own terms.
Those who knew him best will remember him as funny, dependable, ornery, generous, and unforgettable — a good man.
A visitation for both Duane and his wife, Nancy, will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of sending funeral flowers, please consider perennial flowers the family can plant in a memory garden. You can contact Scott at Homestead Nursery (913) 727-1330 or any local nursery of your choosing. Or the family suggests memorial contributions to the following causes close to Duane and Nancy's hearts, Leavenworth Animal Welfare Society, Lansing Educational Foundation, Leavenworth County 4-H or Delmar Development Council.
