Duane Ellison

Duane Ellison, 44, of Avoca, Iowa died Saturday, March 25, 2023, at his home.

Duane Leroy Ellison was born on April 25, 1978, in Atlantic, Iowa the son of Larry and Nancy Ellison and Connie and Dan Grover.  Growing up in rural Griswold, usually wearing blue jeans shorts and cowboy boots, he was a non-stop, unpredictable, high-energy kid that kept his parents on their toes.  When they were not looking, he put rocks in gas tanks, broke glass jars and wrote on the house, among many other mischievous activities. He loved to spend time with family going fishing, skating, skiing, bowling, playing pool, anything where they were all together.  He just loved to have fun – and that he did throughout his life.  He never took his foot off the pedal his entire life, LITERALLY!

After attending Lewis Elementary School, he attended Atlantic High School and graduated in the Class of 1997.  Duane then enrolled in classes at Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska, where he received his Associates Degree in Automotive Technology.  He used his automotive skills in his career at Velociti as a Mobile Tech and by admiring classic cars as a judge at local car shows. Duane would often give his family members memorable rides in his Trans Am, on his Harley, and on his little blue Yamaha motorcycle during family events resulting in crazy hairstyles that are impossible to describe.  Horsepower and speed were two of his favorite words.

Duane loved to watch Dukes of Hazzard, watch movies, play disc golf, and spoil his cat, Lily.  Otherwise, he would spend time with his family. He loved his nieces and nephews and was always finding fun ways to interact or finding new ways to make funny noises with his hands.  He was incredibly meticulous when wrapping gifts or setting up the Christmas tree; he did it to perfection.  When you received a gift from Duane you knew he had put a lot of thought into it and it came from his heart.  Deep down, Duane was a fun-loving person dedicated to his entire family.  He hardly ever missed a birthday, 4^th of July or any family celebration where he was often found playing quarter football, video games, making origami with the kids or just visiting.  Duane always ended his visits with a big hug and a soft, soothing “love you” to all of his family. 

Duane’s hugs were priceless and will be forever missed by his parents, Connie Grover of Atlantic; Larry & Nancy Ellison of Griswold; brother, Tim (Wendy) Ellison of Atlantic; sisters, Christie (Rich) Holtz of Walnut, Lindsey (Nathan) Kinney of Atlantic and Brandy (Allen) Gray of Walnut; grandmother, Phyllis Cushman; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews; and his beloved cat, Lily.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Laurence and Leona Ellison, grandfather, Earl Cushman, and step-father, Dan Grover.

Visitation with family present will be held from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.  A private family Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Duane’s family and his arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.