Duane William Meis

Duane William Meis, 62, of Evans, Colorado, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Denver, Colorado, in the presence of loving family.

Duane was born on June 6, 1963, in Concordia, Kansas, to Herbert William Meis and Judith Regina (Kieffer) Meis. He grew up in various small rural towns across Kansas and Colorado, eventually graduating from high school in Chappell, Nebraska. He attended Northwestern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, for two years before transferring to the University of Northern Colorado.

Duane worked in a variety of occupations over the years, including many years at RR Donnelley printing. Most recently, he was employed as a fabricator for Vestas.

In a heroic manner, Duane inspired those who knew him as he overcame countless illnesses and injuries in his life—including a particularly difficult leukemia diagnosis at age 16. Despite these struggles, he remained resilient, never letting such challenges define him. He was a strong and skilled athlete, a reliable and hard worker, and dedicated son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend.

Duane had a wholesome and quick wit, and a joyful, loud, and contagious laugh. Everyone loved being around him because we all knew he loved us unconditionally—and we knew he was going to bring the fun! His joyful presence was unmistakable—he was known for his enthusiastic hello, wide grin, and warm and welcoming stance (undoubtedly developed from decades of little children attempting to climb up his long legs).

He loved trips to the mountains, golfing, shooting hoops and pool, classic rock, yummy food, science fiction, westerns, cartoons, and games of all kinds. He especially treasured attending his family members' sporting and life events. He relished time spent with family and friends, and he was always eager to help others - applying his expertise with cars and computers.

Duane was loyal, generous, and honest. He was a devout Catholic and sincere Christian whose faith carried him through life’s toughest moments.

We feel incredibly blessed to have had so many wonderful years to enjoy and admire him as he cheerfully endured every trial. Truly, to know Duane was to love him.

He will be deeply missed by his older brother, Timothy (Vicki) Meis; his younger sisters, Regina Meis, Concetta (Robb) Rood, Melanie (Paul) Prestwich, and Cathy (Jason) Masek; and his beloved nieces and nephews: Nicole (Michael) Mason, Tyler (Jennifer) Meis, Chase (Kindra) Boles, Levi (Chelsea) Rood, Kyli Rood, Kieffer Prestwich, Bowen Prestwich, Samuel (Cortney) Prestwich, Elizabeth Prestwich, Kate Prestwich, Jonas Masek, Silas Masek and seven adoring great nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Herb & Judy Meis.

We hope you can join us in honoring Duane’s life. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 12 with visitation at 3:30, and the service to follow at 4:30 at Horan & McConaty, 11150 E Dartmouth Ave, Aurora, CO 80014.

The reception and celebration of life will follow at Beacon Point Clubhouse, 26011 E Orchard Dr, Aurora, CO 80016 from 6 - 9 p.m.

If you wish to make a donation in lieu of flowers, please consider the following organizations:

Ronald McDonald House Charities: https://rmhc-denver.org/donate/

Children's Hospital: https://secure.childrenscoloradofoundation.org/site/Donation2?df_id=4267&mfc_pref=T&4267.donation=form1&s_subsrc=support_childrens_colorado

Children's Leukemia Research Foundation: https://childrensleukemia.org/donate/