Richard “Duke” Walz

Walz, 96, Hartington, died Aug. 1, 2022, at Arbor Care Center, Hartington.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Aug. 8 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with the Rev. Owen Korte ociating. The funeral was livestreamed at www.facebook. com\\WintzRay.

Burial was in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hartington, with military honors by the Hartington VFW Post No. 5283 and the Legion Riders.

Visitation and a vigil service were held Sunday, Aug. 7, at Holy Trinity Catholic, and continued one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home,

Duke Walz

Hartington.

Pallbearers were Nathan Walz, Jordan Walz, Steve Walz, Scott Walz, Emily Kortan and Katie Rotschafer.

Richard Francis Walz was born Nov. 21, 1925, in Hartington, to George and Marie (Smith) Walz. He grew up in Hartington and graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1943. Duke then enlisted in the United States Navy and served during World War II. After his discharge, he attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Duke lived in Yankton, S.D., for a few years and worked with Northwestern Energy. He then moved to Hartington, where he took a job with Consumer’s Public Power, which later became the Nebraska Public Power District. Duke married Jan Schieer Aug. 13, 1956, at Constance. After their marriage, they made their home in Hartington and Duke worked for NPPD for 32 years, retiring Jan. 1, 1988.

Duke loved helping people around Hartington from changing light bulbs at Holy Trinity Church, to helping out with electrical needs at the Cedar County Fair.

Duke was an Eagle Scout and a proud Navy veteran. He said his greatest accomplishment was serving in the Navy and fighting in World War II to help bring peace to the world. Duke enjoyed traveling with Jan, especially their trip to Hawaii. He loved dancing and listening to polka music. He was an avid Cornhusker football fan and season ticket holder for over 30 years.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, VFW Post No. 5283, and volunteered for the Hartington Fire Department. Duke loved his time with NPPD and enjoyed helping people with their electrical needs. Duke was very proud of the fact that both his sons followed in his footsteps and have worked long careers in the utility business.

Duke is survived by his wife, Jan Walz, Hartington; three children, Rolanda Kortan, Lincoln; Steven (Ronda) Walz, Omaha; and Scott (Susan) Walz, York; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Walz, Kearney; and many nieces and nephews.

Duke was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia (Donald) Berglund; and sister-in-law, Joann Walz.

The family would prefer memorials to the Hartington Veterans Memorial, P.O. Box 882, Hartington, NE 68739.