WILKINSON-DUANE

Duane Harvey Wilkinson, 85, passed away on February 4, 2013 in Lincoln, Nebraska with his family by his side. Duane was born on January 15, 1928 in Lincoln to Elvin G. and Jessie L. Wilkinson.  He was the youngest of their three children.  He attended Lincoln High School and served in the Navy during W.W. II.  He married Florence L. Moralez in 1946. Duane and Florence moved to Clatonia in 1963 where they raised their five children and filled their home with family gatherings and happy memories. Duane continued to live in the family home that he loved for the next 50 years.

In 1949 Duane went to work for Lee's Restaurant on South Coddington Avenue in Lincoln. In the 60's Duane owned and operated The Spigot in downtown Lincoln along with his mother, Jessie.  Duane, along with his wife Florence, went on to own and operate The Red Rooster Restaurant in Rathbone Village from 1971 until their retirement in 1983.  Duane and Florence were married for 47 years until Florence passed away in 1993.  In 2000 Duane married Myra Alles. They were married for 8 years until Myra passed away in 2009.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Elvin G. Wilkinson; and his sister, Lila Ayres.  Left with precious memories are his children: son, Duane (Bud) Wilkinson, Jr. and wife Jane; daughters, Cindy Albert and husband Roger; Barbara Breed and husband Mike; Anita Zimmerman and husband Terry; Trisha Dubas and husband Tim.  He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, his nieces, Mary Jo Wilkinson and Lisa Menconi along with other members of his extended family.