Duane Anthony Olberding, 84, of Leavenworth, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on June 10, 2026. A devoted father, cherished educator, and lifelong farmer, Duane leaves behind a legacy defined by faith, hard work, and an extraordinary capacity for hospitality.

Duane was born on October 30, 1941, in Seneca, Kansas, to Clement and Emma (Koch) Olberding. Growing up on the family farm, he learned the value of a long day's work early in life. He graduated from Morrill High School in 1959, where his leadership skills were already evident as senior class president.

Breaking new ground, Duane was the first in his family to attend college. He moved to Atchison, Kansas, to study history at St. Benedict’s College, graduating in 1963. Following a brief time at the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri, Duane’s desire to serve others led him to New Mexico as an Extension volunteer.

Soon after, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Burdick, on December 26, 1964, at St. Augustine Church in Fidelity, Kansas. Together, they built a beautiful life spanning 62 years of deep partnership and shared devotion.

The couple settled in Hays, Kansas, where Duane began his lifelong calling in education at St. Joseph Military Academy in 1964. He earned a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Fort Hays State University in 1969, transitioning to a role as counselor at Thomas More Prep High School.

In 1973, wanting to raise their family closer to home, Duane and Betty moved to Leavenworth. Duane joined the staff at Immaculata (Imac) High School, where he spent over three decades as a psychology teacher and guidance counselor before retiring in 2006. "Mr. Olberding" became a cornerstone of the school community. Generations of students and colleagues remember him as a steady, caring presence. Whether cheering from the bleachers as a devoted Raiders fan, working the concession stands, or founding the Immaculata Boys Action Club (IBAC), his dedication to Leavenworth Catholic Schools was unwavering.

In 1977, Duane and Betty realized a lifelong dream by purchasing 40 acres and building their home southwest of town. Duane returned to his roots, farming part-time and eagerly enlisting his four children to bale hay in the hot summer months. Though his kids may still playfully complain about those long days, Duane succeeded in teaching them the value of grit, dedication, and the unique skill of driving the moment they could see over the steering wheel.

In 1978, the family venture grew into the Olberding Christmas Tree Farm. It was a labor of love that brought Duane immense joy. In a past interview, Duane reflected on the farm with characteristic warmth: “If I thought about all the work I have to do with the trees in June, I would have probably quit a long time ago, but at this time of the year people come out, the kids are laughing, and they're happy with their tree. It's something I can add to their family tradition, and I do enjoy that.”

Duane’s faith was the anchor of his life. As an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, he served his parish in countless ways. He and Betty welcomed engaged couples as Marriage Prep hosts, he coordinated the annual Germanfest for many years, and he was always ready to serve coffee and rolls after Mass or flip pancakes at parish breakfasts. He was a dedicated member of the St. Joseph’s Men’s Society and a loyal brother in the Knights of Columbus (1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree), where he proudly served as the outside guard for meetings.

Duane and Betty shared a deep curiosity about the world and a boundless generosity. For 40 years, they partnered with Fort Leavenworth’s Command and General Staff College and People to People International to sponsor international families. They opened their hearts and home to families from Afghanistan, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Morocco, The Netherlands, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sudan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. This beautiful global tapestry enriched their lives and instilled a profound appreciation for worldwide friendship in their children and grandchildren.

Duane’s greatest joy was his family, who will forever miss his gentle guidance, his quiet strength, and his steady, loving presence. He is survived by his two sons, Anthony Olberding of Bloomington Springs, Tennessee, and Arlen (Keiko Tamura) Olberding of Fort Collins, Colorado; his daughter, Anne Olberding Anderson of Overland Park, Kansas; and his three cherished grandchildren, Nikolas Anderson of Kansas City, Kansas, Kathryn Anderson of Overland Park, Kansas, and Madelyn Anderson of Kansas City, Missouri. He also leaves behind his brother, Terry (Marsha) Olberding of Fairview, Kansas; his sister, Sylvia Rodecap of Sabetha, Kansas; as well as a large, loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Duane is now reunited in eternal peace with his parents, Clem and Emma; his beloved wife, Betty; and his son, Capt. Andrew J. Olberding, whose memory he carried closely in his heart.

Visitation will be held at Davis Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with the Rosary prayed at 5:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph

Catholic Church. Duane will be laid to rest at St. Augustine Cemetery (1948 Acorn Dr., Sabetha, KS) at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Xavier Catholic

School to continue Duane’s lifelong mission of supporting Catholic education.

Arrangements have been gently entrusted to Davis Funeral Chapel.