Duane Curtin

Duane D. Curtin was born into a small farming family in Giltner, Ne.  After graduation, working on the family farm, his mother decided it was best to move to Grand Island.  For a time, Duane did work at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant before being drafted into WWII. 

On January 17, 1945, Duane started to begin active service at Fort Leavenworth, KS as Military Policeman; Rank of T5 or Corporal. While serving, Duane traveled to Japan and earning several medals such as: Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Japan Clasp for Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar. The Army demobilized his unit therefore the end of his service was December 5, 1946. 

Upon his return to Grand Island, NE Duane found Marjorie after her return from working on the “Black Widow” aircraft at the Northrup Plant in California. During their marriage, Duane worked for the Union Pacific Railroad, settling in Grand Island, and raising their daughters Janet and Gail.  Duane passed away in 1997 and Marjorie passed in 2003. They left funds to more than 20 non-profit organizations in their will. Paying it forward was a priority for them.