Duane Vikman

On a cold morning on March 19, 1931, Hilma Carlson Vikman and Edwin J. Vikman became parents of identical twin boys, Duane Gustav and Edwin Theodore in the church parsonage in Genoa, Nebraska.  Duane died at Clermont Park on July 7, 2022 in the loving presence of his wife, Farrel, whom he married on October 5, 1963.

When the boys were twelve days old, their mother died, and fifteen months later, their father, a Lutheran minister was killed instantly in an automobile accident.  Thus began a challenging childhood and youth and the growth of a boy.

Duane’s earliest years were marked by constant upheaval and change as he and Ed were at first separated from their sisters and grandparents and relocated to Canada with his Uncle Arvid and family and then moved to Sweden where the two boys were reunited with their beloved Aunt Huldah, who had cared for them following their mother’s death. They enjoyed some of their happiest childhood years with her before their return to Canada where they lived and worked for a variety of foster families, seldom, if ever, enjoying real security or love.  During these years, however, Duane held onto his dream, and with the support of his twin, and strengthened by his never-failing faith in God and the power of prayer, he persevered.

As an adolescent, Duane developed the ingenuity and creativity which should characterize his professional life as one of Mountain Bell’s most successful salesmen, and he honed the people skills that would bring him enduring friendships and love.  Once reunited with his two older sisters, Ruth and Alice, from whom he had been separated for most of his life, he enjoyed frequent visits to their homes.  He attended Luther Academy in Nebraska and earned the friendship of many of his teachers through his eagerness to overcome the many obstacles he and Ed encountered.

In 1950 Duane joined the US Navy and served for four years.  He was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii and Ed was able to be stationed with him for the last two years.  Following the Navy,  Duane moved to Denver and joined Augustana Lutheran Church, becoming active there while pursuing his professional life at Mountain Bell.

Soon to follow, Duane met the love of his life, Farrel, a Sunday school teacher at Augstana, with the help of friends and family.  And so the story began with a wedding on October 5, 1963!  Their passion in life and love immediately becomes travel.  Their travel takes them all over the world including 5 continents.  They traveled near and far to be with friends and family, enjoying all the best life has to offer.

Beyond the passion for travel, Duane was an El Jebel Shriner,  his hobbies included stamp collecting and gardening.  On two occasions pictures were taken in his garden as wedding photos with his beautiful flowers in the background.In later years, Duane was a faithful usher at Augustana, served on the church council and drove the church vans on Sunday mornings.

However, the next chapter of Duane and Farrels life was unexpected.  In 1999 , Akanita  (Ploy) joined their family, coming from Bangkok, Thailand as an exchange student for one year.   Six years later,  Ploy graduated from the University of Colorado after spending much time traveling and seeing world with Duane and Farrel.   Life would be more exciting with the addition of “Taco” the dog, who brought so much joy to all.

Life became filled with many travels to be with Ploy and her family in Thailand.  Their beloved house was a sanctuary in later years before moving to Clermont.  In the last of his life, he never lost sight of his dreams or his faith.  He died as he lived – courageous and loving.

Duane is survived by his wife, Farrel, nephews David (Karen) Christianson, James (Sandy) Christianson, Robert (Barbara) Johnson, Jeffrey (Marcha) Johnson.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Alice, Christianson, Ruth Johnson and twin brother Edwin Vikman.

He will be missed but lives on in our hearts forever.

Memorials may be designated to:

Augustana Lutheran Church

5000 East Alameda Ave

Denver,  CO 80246

Shiner Hospital,  Salt Lake City, UT

3443 S Galena St

Denver,  CO  80231