Duane Russell Steen

Duane Russell Steen, 92, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025. He was born in Wichita, Kansas on December 4, 1932 to parents Edmond and Beulah Steen. Duane attended Wichita East High School, and graduated in 1950. Baseball has always been a passion of his. During Duane’s playing days he was a pitcher. After high school Duane served in the US Army and was in Neckarsulm, Germany. Once he returned to the United States he attended Wichita State University and graduated in 1955.

In 1953 Duane married the love of his life, Gaye Johnson. Duane and Gaye would be married 72 years, and were blessed with 5 children, Karen, Shari, Gregory, Russell, and Richard.

In 1963 Duane moved his family from Wichita to LaCrosse, Kansas. In LaCrosse he opened a Steens IGA business, and they lived there for 8 years. In 1972 he purchased another IGA store on Highway 54 in Pratt, Kansas and moved the family there where they’d spend the next 32 years, before eventually moving back to Wichita, Kansas.

Duane is survived by his wife, Gaye Steen; children, Karen Thurman, Shari (Kent) Hobbs, Gregory (Kristin) Steen, Russell (Janelle) Steen, and Richard Steen; 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Duane was preceded in death by his brother, Dale F. Steen.

Duane was a family man, good golfer, and avid Wichita State Shocker fan. He also was a proud member of Central Christian Church, where he was baptized.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with His Helping Hands, 1441 E. 37th St. N., Wichita, KS 67219.