Duane “Mick” Kenneth Spitz, age 78, of Columbus, NE, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Lincoln, NE.

Mass of Christian Burial for extended family due to the size of Church is 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church- Pilzno. The family encourages friends to attend and greet the family at the visitation Thursday 4:00-7:00 p.m. at McKown Funeral Home. Interment is in St. Mary’s-Pilzno Catholic Cemetery.

Duane was born on December 18, 1947, in Columbus, Nebraska, to George and Inez (Person) Spitz. Duane has lived in the same section for all of his 78 years south of Columbus.

He attended school in Shelby, NE and enjoyed playing American Legion Baseball and football.

On June 20, 1970, Duane married the love of his life, Marlene Katherine Steffensmeier at Sacred Heart Church Olean in Dodge, NE, and together they were blessed with two children, Stacey Sue and Daniel Duane both of Columbus, NE. Duane and Marlene made their home south of Columbus where he worked for Shelby Lumber, Soil Movers and farmed south of Columbus, NE.

Even down to the last days Duane loved sports. Duane would always want to know what games were on and who was playing. Duane loved his Huskers and Royals.

He spent most of his years bowling but his pride and joy was watching his beautiful granddaughters doing what they loved, especially softball. Duane loved his time being with his great-grandsons and looking forward to meeting his newest great-granddaughter. Duane loved rocking his youngest great-grandson, Arlo and would not know who would fall asleep the fastest. Duane cherished these moments.

Survivors include wife of 56 years, Marlene, of Columbus, NE; children Stacey Spitz of Columbus, NE, and Dan Spitz and special friend, Jessica Majerus of Columbus, NE; grandchildren Shelby (Dillon) Heilbrun of Genoa, NE; Emilee (Mark) Karpf of Scottsbluff, NE and Marcie Spitz of Shelby, NE; great-grandsons, Kaden and Arlo Heilbrun of Genoa, NE and great-granddaughter arriving in April 2026; brother Orville (Phyllis) Spitz of Columbus, NE; Smoke ‘Delmer’ (Marlene) Spitz of Columbus, NE; Sister-in-law, Darlyn Spitz of Shelby, NE. Brother and sisters in law, Marvin (Paulette) Steffensmeier of Fremont, NE; Roger (Kathy) Steffensmeier of Norfolk, NE; Linda (Randy) Stecher of Dodge, NE; Barbara Prochaska of Lincoln, NE; LaVone (Tim) Kreikemeier of Snyder, NE and Denise (Dan) Brester of Howells, NE. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Inez Spitz and parents-in-law Vincent and Marie (Schlickbernd) Steffensmeier. Great-granddaughter, Isabella Ann Karpf; nephew Mike Spitz, Kevin Gewecke and great niece Samantha Spitz. Siblings Virgil Spitz, Gerald (Evelyn) Spitz and Melva (Gaylord) Gewecke.