Duane R. Olberts, a dedicated family man and respected professional, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, at the Clarissa Cook Hospice House. Born on September 15, 1928, in Manning, Iowa, Duane touched the lives of many during his 97 years.

Duane married the love of his life, Lois Christensen, in Omaha, Neb., in 1952. Together, they raised their family in Moline, Ill.

Duane's educational background included a Bachelor of Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and a Master of Engineering from the University of Wisconsin. Duane had a fulfilling and successful career at Deere and Company, ending as the manager of materials reliability. He was known for his professionalism and innovative spirit. He also honorably served his country for two years in the United States Army.

Duane and Lois embraced retirement at a young age. They enjoyed many years together overlooking the Mississippi River north of Cordova, where early evenings were often spent relaxing with family and friends on their pontoon boat. Many lifelong friendships were made with surrounding riverside residents.

Winters took them to the Florida Keys, where Duane and Lois loved fishing for and eating snapper. Later, they wintered in the Rio Verde golf community in Arizona. While Duane put up with golfing and was a long-time member of the Rock Island Arsenal golf club, his true passion was duck hunting in Lake Odessa, New Boston, Illinois, and the Mississippi River area with his close friend, Jerry Hourigan. He may well have loved shooting craps even more than shooting ducks.

Duane is survived by his loving wife, Lois Olberts, Silvis, IL; his sons, Mark (Annie) Olberts, Rock Island, IL, Gregg (Jeanna) Olberts, Moline, IL, John Olberts, East Moline, IL, and Scott (Cristi) Olberts, Salt Lake City, UT; his granddaughter, Melissa Faris, East Moline, IL, and grandson, Adam Olberts, Charlotte, NC; his niece, Sheila (Jose) Jeanneau, Rock Island, IL, and his nephew, Peter (Karla) Christensen, Perry, FL, a daughter-in-law, Shauna Joseph, Sacramento, CA, along with a legacy of love that will endure in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Olberts; an infant son, Richard; his parents, a brother-in-law, Robert Christensen, and a sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Christensen.

A visitation will be held on December 9th at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Church in Moline, Ill., followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m. Duane's family invites all who knew him to celebrate a life well-lived and honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on his Memory Page at wendtfuneralhome.com.