Duane F. Ochsner

He just takes the tractor another round under the Nebraska sun.

Hastings resident Duane F. Ochsner, passed away on August 24, 2026, at the age of 89 years old. Duane suffered from many underlying health issues and was not strong enough to continue the fight.

Memorial services are 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 31, at First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, with Rev. Damen Jensen-Heitmann & C.L. Wimer officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, August 30 from 3-5 p.m. at Livingston-Butler-Volland Funeral Home. Service will be live-streamed through the funeral home website. Memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church or Crystal Lake Recreational Area. Cards and memorials may be sent to the funeral home.

So, God created a farmer. Duane was born in Stockham, Nebraska, on January 4, 1937. During Duane's childhood, he helped on his parents’ farm along with working for farmers in the Trumbull area. He graduated from Trumbull High School in 1954. After high school, his interest in farming grew by working at a machinery dealership and later, Hastings Irrigation Pipe Co.

On May 6, 1956, he married Georga (Harrell) Ochsner; they celebrated their love daily in their marriage just shy of 64 years. In the spring of 1958, following his true dreams of becoming a farmer, they moved to a farm just north of Pauline. Duane had a passion for the land. He did all of the hard things that a farmer does. Over the years, his farm grew as he was involved in production agriculture, raising corn, soybeans, milo, and wheat. He also cared for cattle and hogs along with his beloved horse Queenie. Duane and Georga were blessed with two sons, Russell and Randall. Continuing Duane's farming venture, they moved to the Roseland area and expanded the farming operation.

Duane did this all while instilling his love for farming in his family. His grandkids will never forget all the time spent at the farm with their grandfather, making special memories while learning about the land and farming life.

Farming by day and attending meetings in the evening keep Duane busy and active in the community. He served as a Farm Bureau Director, Dist. 35 School Board Treasurer, member of South Central Nebraska Swine Association, President of the Production Credit Association Board, and President of the Roseland Co-op Board. Duane also served on the Adams County Extension Board and was a 4-H Leader. In 1967, Duane was selected as Hastings Junior Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year.

Duane was a religious man, dedicating his life to God, and was deeply committed to serving the Hanover Presbyterian Church, where he was involved as a Deacon, Elder, and Sunday School Superintendent. He especially enjoyed singing in choir.

Being a lifelong area resident, Duane had many friends. Duane will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. He truly enjoyed playing cards with the card club and the many fishing trips shared with his buddies.

Duane was preceded in death by his wife, Georga Ochsner; parents Fred and Blanche (Bishop) Ochsner; his brothers Vaughn, Daryl and sister Arliss McDowell; and numerous in-laws.

Duane is survived by their children Russ Ochsner and his wife Denise, Randy Ochsner and his wife Julie. Six grandchildren: Geoffrey (Rebecca) Ochsner, Stephanie (Zach) Brueningsen, Gregory (Emily) Ochsner, Creighton (Rayna) Ochsner, Jacie (Eric) Milius, & J.D. (Tessa) Ochsner and sixteen great-grandchildren. Sister, Betty Bierman, in-laws, Arlene Ochsner, Art McDowell, Madeleine Rohs and Ann Harrell and many nieces & nephews, and his special friend Pat Fulton.

Family was one of the most important parts of his life; he was so proud and supportive of each of them. Duane was “somebody who’d bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing, who would laugh and then sigh, and then reply, with smiling eyes, when his sons said they want to spend their lives ‘doing what dad does.” So, God made a farmer.