Memorial
Duane Milo Nesetril, 94 years old, of Cedar Rapids died on December 8, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (UMC) at a later date.
Survivors include his wife Kay, two daughters Julie (Jon) Olson and Dr. Linda (Todd) Sitkowski, and four grandchildren Bert and Tillie Olson and Zachary and Blake Sitkowski. Three stepchildren, Dr. Ross Carson (Benico), Dr. Mark Carson (Amy) and Dr. Craig Carson (Be). Three step grandchildren, Catherine, Jade, and Juliette Carson. He was proceeded in death by his parents and first wife Lila.
Duane was born March 3, 1931, in Clinton, Iowa to Tillie (Broz) and Milo Nesetril. He graduated from Wilson High School Class of 1949 and the University of Iowa. During the Korean War he served in the U.S. Army. He married Lila Leichsenring in 1964. She died in 1996. In 2001 he married Kay Carson. He worked for Penford in various technical and sales capacities for over 20 years and retired in 1999 from Novo Nordisk after 20 years as a technical sales representative.
Duane was a long-time member of the St. Paul’s UMC. He was a member of El Kahir Color Guard and the Elks Club. He volunteered at St. Lukes Hospital in the Senior Health Insurance Office for 20 years and was honored for his volunteering by two governors. He also volunteered at the Iowa State Extension Service as a Master Gardener. He was a Patron member of the Czech and Slovak Museum and Library and was very proud of his Czech heritage.
Duane traveled extensively domestically and overseas both for business and pleasure. He enjoyed being outside doing yard work and gardening. Most of all he enjoyed being with his family and friends.
Duane’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Croix Hospice for the excellent care they provided and the angel nurse, Aubri. They would also like to thank the Cornerstone and Grand Living caregivers.