Duane Backes

Duane Francis Backes, 94, of Columbus, Nebraska, formerly of Lindsay, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 am Wednesday at St. Isidore Catholic Church. Military honors will be held at the church following the service. Visitation is from 4:30- 7 pm Tuesday with a 7:00 pm Vigil to follow, all at St. Isidore Church in Columbus. Visitation continues Wednesday morning from 9:30 am until service time. Graveside services are 2:30 pm Wednesday at Holy Family Cemetery in Lindsay.

Duane was born January 13, 1931, on a farm 3 miles south of Lindsay, Nebraska, to Edward Backes and Clara Albracht. He was the oldest of Ed and Clara's 11 children. He completed the 8th grade at St. Bernard School and due to demands at the time, he began his lifelong career in farming. From 1952 to 1954, Duane proudly served as a medic in the US Army in Germany during the Korean War. His training involved stops in Virginia, Texas, and Colorado.

Prior to his military service, Duane met the love of his life, Lois Jean Delp at a dance at King's Ballroom in Norfolk, NE. On August 11, 1954, they were united in marriage at Holy Family Parish in Lindsay. It was a day-long festive event at the family farm. Their union was blessed with 5 children. He and Lois devoted their lives to raising their family and farming in the Lindsay area.

Duane was actively involved in the Lindsay community and parish his entire life. He was a member of the American Legion Post 261 and the Knights of Columbus, served on various community boards, and was a member of Holy Family Parish.

Duane had a love of music. Most Backes family events involved singing.  Duane was invited to join the church choir at the age of 14 and continued to sing with the Holy Family Choir until 2021. He was a proud member of the Shell Creek Singers and their "gigs" included area nursing homes and other events. Their legacy includes several studio recordings. Duane also loved playing cards, baseball, and softball.

Duane was a kind, gentle, and compassionate soul. He was a role model and father figure to many and a strong advocate for education. Duane was happiest when working on the farm or spending time with family and friends. He especially loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Duane was very devoted to Lois and together they made a great team and led a meaningful, prosperous, and happy life.

He is survived by:

Wife Lois Backes of Columbus

Son Steve (Cindi) Backes of Lindsay

-Grandchildren Sam (Mary) Backes, Jessica (Patrick) Mahoney, and Tim (Taylor) Backes

Daughter Sue (Lyle) Pfeifer of Longmont, CO

-Grandchildren Emily (Allen) Pfeifer, Scott Pfeifer, and Zach Pfeifer

Daughter Julie (Joe) Hendrickson of Evergreen, CO

Son Jim Backes of Lawrence, KS

-Grandchildren Alison (Trent) Scott, Anna Backes, and Ben Backes

Daughter Jennifer (Jeff) Martensen of Humphrey

-Grandchildren Mikayla Martensen, Rachel Martensen, and Joshua Martensen

11 Great Grandchildren

Sister Joan Kurtenbach of Columbus

Sister Marilyn Haney of Columbus

Sister Joyce Weiser of Omaha

Brother Ken (Janie) Backes of Humphrey

Brother Bill (Ginnie) Backes of Milford

He was preceded in death by:

Parents Edward and Clara Backes

Granddaughter Katie Martensen

Sisters Sr. Edna and Carolyn Cielocha

Brothers Earl, Jackie, and Dave

Brothers-in-law Ken Cielocha, Bill Kurtenbach, Bill Haney,

Ervin Wieser, and Duane Delp

Sisters-in-Law Lenore (Borer) Backes and Roberta Delp