Duane Robey

Duane Allan Robey

Oct. 15, 1923 ~ Jan. 31, 2018

Duane Allan Robey, a left-handed man, 94, of North Ogden, passed away peacefully at his home on January 31, 2018, surrounded by his family. Born October 15, 1923 in Red Wing, MN, Duane was the oldest of three children of Donavan Othmar and Martha Louise Dahl Robey. After graduating from Red Wing High School Class of 1943 he enlisted in the United States Army and served valiantly as a Combat Infantryman in the European Theatre of Operations. A member of the 415th Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, 415th Infantry Brigade, 104th Infantry Division, or “Timberwolves,” Duane saw 73 days of combat and went behind enemy lines in Germany 32 times before being gravely wounded by a mine. He miraculously survived, and although he lost his leg and too many fellow comrades, he gained a unique perspective and treasured his service.

Duane never considered himself to be disabled and he accomplished more than most men tend to. After the war he met his future wife on a blind date, Ledores Magdalene Rieker, and fell in love that night. The couple was happily married on June 18, 1950 in Bismarck, ND at Trinity Lutheran Church where they were members more than 60 years.

They raised their family of three children in Bismarck and were very active in the community. Duane obtained his Bachelor of Science Degrees in Horticulture from University of Minnesota and Education from University of Mary and a Master of Science in Education from University of North Dakota. After 37 years with Bismarck Public Schools he retired in 1992. Additionally he worked in the landscape department of Oscar H. Will & Co. from 1951-1955 and was self-employed as Robey Landscape Co. from 1955-1965. He was proud to have designed all the landscaping for and maintained the care contract of the ND Governor’s Mansion for a number of years. Duane was a master mason of both the Scottish and York Rites, served as a Knights Commander, a Shriner, and sang as a bass with The Plainsmen and is listed in the Country Western Hall of Fame.

He belonged to the Rock Club, the Trinity Choir, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9272, and loved lapidary work and gardening. On February 2, 2010, Duane bid farewell to his sweetheart of nearly 60 years when she passed away. A year later he left his beloved home in Bismarck and settled, with his son, in North Ogden, UT. During these last years he much enjoyed his membership at Ascension Lutheran Church, his participation at Unity Lodge of Ogden, and his many wonderful Utah friends and neighbors.

Duane will be remembered fondly for his strength, kindness, generosity, tremendous work ethic, pragmatism, and for being the eternal scientist. His family and students will never forget his dry wit, and that he was a fair man full of hugs and smiles, and was quick to forgive.

Duane is survived by his children, Dana P. Robey, North Ogden, UT; Carol (Shawn) Leer, Golden Valley, MN; and Jennifer Robey-Williams, Idaho Falls, ID; 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In addition to his dear wife, Ledores, he was preceded in death by his parents and his twin siblings Margaret Graetz and Myron Robey.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Celebration of Life Service at 6pm on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1105 N Washington Blvd., Ogden, UT. He will be laid to rest with Ledores later in 2018 at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded. Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.

The family thanks his fellow parishioners, neighbors, fellow masons, and many friends for their support.