Duane Polson

Dennis Duane Polson, 91, of Vliets, KS, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, KS.

Visitation was Friday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Padden Funeral Chapel in Frankfort. The family received friends from 5:30-7 p.m.

A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 21, at Salem Lutheran Church, south of Axtell.  Pastor Jeff Swanson officiated.  Lisa Broxterman played the organ.  Music included "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", "Children of the Heavenly Father" and "Precious Lord Take My Hand."

The pallbearers were Brian Polson, Joel Bredow, Andrew Bredow, Taylor Musil, Chris Samuelson, Bryce Jones and Barry Jones.

Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Duane was born near Vermillion, KS, to Iner and Alice (Robbins) Polson on February 7, 1933. He attended Star Country School in Center Township, Nemaha County through the eighth grade and graduated from Centralia High School in 1951. Duane was a baptized and confirmed member of Salem Lutheran Church and served in several leadership roles.

On May 11, 1952, Duane was drafted into the U.S. Army, training in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and then sent to Fort Riley in 1953 before being assigned to Leghorn, Italy. He then completed two years at Fort Knox, KY, and was honorably discharged in May of 1955. That same year, he began farming. 

Duane and Shirley Jones were united in marriage on November 6, 1955. Together, they made their home north of Vliets. They welcomed three children; a daughter, Denise, and two sons, Kent and John.

After partially retiring from farming in 1984, Duane became a substitute Rural Letter Carrier in Frankfort and then became full-time in 1988, moving him to the southwest routes of Frankfort. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1998. Duane continued to run the combine and help with harvest until the age of 87. He also served as a director on Blue Valley Telephone’s Board of Directors for 24 years.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Iner and Alice Polson; brother, Norman Polson; and sister-in-law, Suzanne. 

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; daughter, Denise (Jonathan) Bredow, Arlington, TX, sons, Kent (Joyce) Polson, Vliets, and John (Sharmon) Polson, Vliets; grandchildren, Brian Polson, Sheila Musil, Joel Bredow, Andrew Bredow, Sadie Polson, Hattie Polson, and Sophie Polson; and 10 great-grandchildren. 

A memorial fund has been established to Salem Lutheran Church. Contributions may be sent to Padden Funeral Chapel, c/o of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.