Duane Richard Holtan passed away on October 6, 2026, surrounded by his children following a brief illness.

Duane was born to Lois (Padgett) and Richard Barnby on April 7, 1943. He was later adopted by Howard Holtan when Lois married Howard in Plentywood, MT.

After graduating from Plentywood High School in 1961, Duane joined the United States Marine Corps and was based in San Diego, CA, serving four years, including time stationed in Okinawa. Following his military service, he returned to Plentywood, where he worked various jobs at the Pepsi plant, the Plentywood newspaper, and selling advertisements for the local radio station.

Duane met and married Sandra Christensen, and together they became parents to four children: Kurt, Kimberly, Wade, and Cory. Duane moved his family to Glasgow, MT where he eventually owned Scottie Homes. After several years there he moved his family to Boise ID, where he eventually divorced and worked as a real estate agent and in mortgage until his retirement.

This man – what a full life he lived and what an influence he had on the people he met. He is best described as a straight shooter. He possessed the perfect balance of humor and sarcasm. He was very forgiving and accepting of what life threw his way, which lead to a tough exterior with an internal compassion. Duane faced several traumas in his life that quite frankly would have sent many to their knees. The courage, perseverance, (crankiness) and acceptability he would display was admirable. He had a deep love of family and an unconditional love for his kids and grandkids. He was their foundation, and even though he would put on a tough outer skin, his love and understanding were always there. He loved keeping in touch with his kids and other friends and family by phone but was not much into chit-chat. It wasn’t uncommon to have him tell you after a short pause, “And this conversation is over”.

Duane will be fondly remembered as the best storyteller. There were so many stories and so many of them ending with his chuckle or full belly laugh with his audience laughing along with him. Stories of his youth and school days, his 65 Pontiac GTO racing and speeding down the highway; working on the farm, his time spent in the Marines, and of the various jobs he did throughout his life. We all got to know who Duane was because of the stories he told us. In a recent visit with Duane, he was talking of his wild days as a youth and he said, “After a couple of drinks, I became a witty conversationist, I thought myself good looking and taller – I was always taller”. This was followed by a chuckle. Duane, you will be missed.

As a proud Marine, Duane will be laid to rest at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.

He leaves a vast void in the lives of his children – Kurt (Angela), Kimberly (Bodie), Wade and Cory. He also leaves behind many grandchildren and great grandchildren. His brothers Randy (Debbie) and Brian (Jenny), and so many friends and acquaintances.

Duane was always willing to donate to anyone in need or any charity that touched his heart. In lieu of flowers, please donate to any charity of choice in his honor.