Duane Edward Nienaber

Duane Edward Nienaber of Des Moines passed away peacefully on October 2, 2019. Duane was born to Herman and Thelma (Bettinger) Nienaber on February 12, 1933 in Round Lake, Minnesota. He grew up with his two sisters, Lois and Darlene. The family moved Buckley, Washington where Duane worked hard mowing lawns and delivering newspapers on his own route at age 12. Duane moved to Puyallup Washington where he graduated from Puyallup High School in 1951.

Duane enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952 and was assigned to the Flag Allowance, Commander Sixth Fleet, in the Mediterranean, where he developed his passion for travel. Duane was appointed Yeoman Typist Third Class and enjoyed the comradery with officers who recommended him for Officer Training. Upon honorable discharge from Navy life, Duane married his high school sweetheart, Blanche (Lloyd) Nienaber on December 26, 1953. In 1954 Duane attended classes at Pacific Lutheran University and daughter Kathleen was welcomed. In the fall of 1957 continued his education at the University of Washington Dental School, and daughter Janice joined the family. Duane graduated from Dental School with the class of 1961 and was selected by faculty for membership into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. Duane built his own dental clinic and practiced general dentistry until he retired in 1992. He was active in his Dental Association, attending bi-annual conferences and providing a leadership role in organizing reunions for his fellow dental classmates. Duane’s success throughout his education and early career in dentistry was supported by his wife Blanche who worked hard to learn all aspects of his dental practice while keeping the household running smoothly.

In 1962, Duane and Blanche moved the young family to Woodmont Beach in Des Moines where the family grew with the exciting addition of son Richard in 1965. Duane was an avid Husky football fan, holding season tickets until 2012. Duane loved the outdoors and excelled at golfing, boating, fishing, hiking, and hunting game throughout the northwest. Duane was active in the Woodmont County Club, and he and Blanche showed great teamwork contributing their time and effort selflessly to support projects, community events, fund raisers, and improvements. Duane was always there to lend a hand and support his beloved beach community and neighbors. In addition to supporting the Woodmont Community, Duane also served the Federal Way Little League by coaching Rick’s baseball teams culminating in the 1978 District Ten Championship. Duane served as the Federal Way Little League President and volunteered hundreds of hours developing new fields, maintaining fields, and working behind the scenes to support the organization. Duane was known to wake up his family in the middle of the night to begin family “car trips” to Hebgen Lake, West Yellowstone, Priest Lake Idaho, California adventures including the Rose Bowl games, and spring trips to Arizona. During the summer the family spent time at the ocean near Westport, where Duane honed his fishing skills on Charter boats, which later led to a purchase of his own ocean craft. Duane loved being on the water with his family and friends.

Duane retired from dentistry and sold his practice in 1992. For several years Duane and Blanche “camped” in their motorhome during the winter months near La Penita, Nayarit, Mexico, where they enjoyed sport fishing, and making new friends. During the warmer months Duane enjoyed road trips with Blanche in their motorhome to explore National Parks throughout the U.S. and Canada, or spending time in their trailer on the coast near Long Beach. He fished daily, weather permitting, and felt as ease with the daily banter and teamwork of fellow fishermen friends. Blanche was by his side, rising early to navigate the waters, crossing the bar safely, and later cooking delicious meals for all of those potluck dinners in the cabana shared by friends and family. Always and forever and good team, accomplishing their goals together. His passion for travel continued and trips were planned together. One highlight through all of these adventures was a self-guided tour of New Zealand and Australia. Duane spoke of friendly people, beautiful sights and time well spent.

In 2000, Duane began a new chapter in his life when Blanche passed away following a courageous battle with leukemia. Duane was devoted to his wife’s care, always by her side, as they made decisions together. Through this difficult time, Duane led the family through their grief and did not miss an opportunity to gather the family together or call to check in.

In 2004, Duane’s long- time family friend, Betty Bailey from Centralia and Seaview, joined him at Woodmont Beach. Betty and Duane enriched each other’s lives with extensive travels, shared family gatherings, and new friends along the way. They spent time in Arizona where Duane took up golfing again. Duane and Betty visited majestic National Parks and Monuments including the historic Battlefields of the Civil War. Highlights in their travels included a Panama Canal cruise, exploring Washington D.C., Nova Scotia, and several riverboat cruises through eastern and western Europe. Duane enjoyed his life with Betty and for a time, she became an avid Husky fan as well, attending games together, making friends and reuniting with old friends. In October 2018, Duane sadly lost his partner Betty to pancreatic cancer.

Duane enjoyed sharing his wisdom and giving advice to children and grandchildren. He was honest, fair minded, and his integrity was beyond measure. He worked hard throughout his life, always caring for his family. Duane lived a life with fun enriching experiences yet he was by nature a serious person. He had a quick wit, curious nature, and a desire to travel as long as he could. He will be remembered for his warm smile, and enduring love for his family. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. We will remember him relaxing on his deck at dusk, watching the ships sail by Mauri Island, waving to neighbors walking dogs through the plaza, and enjoying the spectacular sunsets across the horizon.

Duane is survived by his daughters, Kathleen Ogg (David) Janice Jewell (Joseph) and son Richard Nienaber; sister Darlene Mayhew; grandchildren Jennifer Gallagher (Kenny) Kristen Christensen (Brandon) Bryan Jewell (Ashley) Craig Jewell, Samantha Nienaber and Kasandra Nienaber, great grandchildren, Brooklyn Christensen, Hannah Christensen, Cooper Christensen, Amelia Nienaber, Ava Nienaber, and Griffin Jewell. He has many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Blanche Nienaber, partner Betty Bailey, sister Lois Smith, mother Thelma Nienaber (Bettinger) father Herman Nienaber, and step-mother Helen Frieze.

A Celebration of his Life was held at Des Moines Beach Park Event Center: Dining Hall at 12:30 p.m. on October 27th.