Duane W. Schleisman

Duane William Schleisman was born October 27, 1933, in Carroll Iowa to the late John and May (Borcherding) Schleisman.He was the youngest of five children and grew up in Lidderdale Iowa, graduating from Carroll high school in 1951.He was drafted into the Army in December 1956 and served at Ft. Benning, Georgia and Ft. Smith, Arkansas until December 1958. Duane moved to Omaha and on April 20, 1963, married Laurina C. Schiltz.Together they purchased a home in Millard, where they would live for the next 53 years, and raise five children; Angela, Debra, Linda, Jennifer, and Thaddeus John. In 1974 Saint John Vianney parish was established just blocks down the street from their home. The Schleisman family were founding members, and the church was a cornerstone of their family life.Duane was active in SJV men’s club, served as an usher, and in later years was in the classy seniors’ group. Duane worked in the Installation division of Western Electric for 40 years from 1952 until 1992.He was active in the Communication Workers of America (CWA) Union, local #7290, and had a lifelong interest in politics and workers’ rights.After retirement, he enjoyed daily mass and socializing with fellow retirees and their spouses for "old fogey" dinner nights.Duane was a lifelong sports enthusiast and avid Nebraska football fan.His social life revolved around watching sporting events, especially his beloved Huskers, with family and friends. He was also passionate about watching Creighton Bluejay Baseball and the College World Series. In 2017, as they were faced with declining health, Duane and Laurina moved from their home to a nearby assisted living facility.It was there that Duane passed away peacefully on Friday, December 29, 2017. Duane was preceded in death by his brothers, Roland and Daryl. He is survived by his wife Laurina; his children: Angela (Michael) Taviani, Debra (Jon) Sutherland, Linda Huebner (fiancé Gerald Wild), Jennifer (Tom) Gepson, and Thaddeus "T. J." (Jennifer) Schleisman; brother, John (JoAnn) Schleisman; sister Colleen Moore; 8 grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Funeral Mass: Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018 at 10:00am, with a visitation and rosary starting at 9:00am, All at St. John Vianney Catholic Church (5801 Oak Hills Dr.) Interment: Resurrection Cemetery In lieu of flowers, memorials given to the family will be used in Duane's memory at a later date or to the Church. Braman Mortuary - Southwest Chapel 6505 S. 144 St. Omaha, NE68137 402-895-3400