Duane Devitt

Hastings resident Duane E. Devitt, 77, died at his home on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, with his wife by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.

His funeral was at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at Butler-Volland Chapel in Hastings with Chaplain Lisa Ewald officiating. Burial was at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings.

Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date.

Duane was born Dec. 20, 1945, in Davenport, Nebraska, to Donald and Clara (Moore) Devitt. He lived in Deweese, Nebraska, until the age of six, when the family moved to Edgar, Nebraska, where he attended school. He then became a Hastings resident for the remainder of his life.

With great pride and craftsmanship, he owned and operated Duane’s Welding Service until retiring in 2015. He owned the land next to his welding shop which is now known as KAM Raceway. Duane enjoyed racing both motorcycles and micro midget race cars and was proud to be a very active part of the organization.

Duane had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed many interests. He was an accomplished self-taught gunsmith who owned Duane’s Gunsmithing during an earlier part of his life. He enjoyed many types of hunting, especially the annual Colorado elk hunting trips. He also enjoyed fishing and camping at Lovewell Lake with family and friends. During retirement he also pursued his interest in engraving, becoming quite accomplished, and created some beautiful pieces.

Being friends for many years prior, Duane and Jan Blauvelt eventually married. They enjoyed and appreciated each other immensely, mutually finding the love of each other’s life during their “ golden years.”

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Jan; two sons, Mike and David Devitt; step-daughter, Linda Morgan; step-son, Tony Blauvelt; sister, Mrs. Steve Griffith (Jan); brother, Ron Devitt; a grandson and great-grandchildren.