Duane Anthony Petersen

Duane Anthony Petersen, age 62, passed away on July 13, 2026. He was born on April 15, 1964, and raised in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Duane proudly served in the United States Navy for 20 years. As an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate—Launch and Recovery, he served on the flight decks of the USS Carl Vinson in 1982 and 1985 and the USS John C. Stennis in 1996. While at sea, he earned the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia. During his shore duty assignment in Meridian, Mississippi, Duane worked as a security officer and was awarded the Marksman pistol ribbon.

While stationed in Millington, Tennessee, Duane met the love of his life, Kimberly. Their love story spanned more than 31 years. After retiring from the Navy with an honorable discharge in Key West, Florida, Duane began a new career as a motorcycle mechanic, specializing in Harley-Davidson motorcycles. After graduating from the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, he landed his dream job at American Ironhorse Motorcycles, where he worked on custom motorcycles, especially the Texas Chopper.

Duane traveled to many rallies and events, including Sturgis and Daytona Bike Week. He enjoyed cooking. Specially making his famous pumpkin pancakes for friends and family. He also enjoyed fishing, watching football, and crow hunting in Iowa with his lifelong friends.

Duane is survived by his beloved wife, Kimberly; his daughters, Rose and Sara; his grandchildren, Skylar, Braylon, London, Jocelyn, and Wesley; and his sister, Angie Petersen. He was preceded in death by his mother, Trudy Petersen, and his father, Everett Petersen.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Oaks 55 Plus, 2350 State Highway 121, Euless, Texas.

A military funeral will be held at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee, at a later date.

“May my heartbeat be a gentle reminder of the love I have for you”