Duane P. Holz, 80, formerly of Gladstone, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Benedictine Living Center, Dickinson. Duane’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Lefor with Fr. Dennis Schafer as celebrant. Interment will take place at Gladstone City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with at Rosary and Vigil at 6 p.m. with Deacon Bob Zent presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church.

Duane Peter Holz was born December 20, 1944, in Dickinson, the son of Dominic and Clara (Schmitz) Holz. He was raised on the family farm south of Gladstone and attended boarding school in Richardton before finishing his education in Gladstone. Duane enjoyed playing basketball in high school. He went on to ride alleys at the stockyards in his early adult life as well as help his parents on the farm.

Duane married LaVonne Birdsall on August 30, 1969, in Gladstone. Early in their marriage, they settled on a ranch south of Bismarck in Emmons County. In 1981, Duane and LaVonne returned to Gladstone and settled on a ranchette south of town where Duane and the family spent much time caring for the newly planted trees in the shelterbelt. During these years, they finished raising their children: Shawn, Tania, and Clarissa.

He enjoyed gardening, caring for horses, spoiling his beloved dogs, and watching western movies. Duane was always interested in what his children and grandchildren were doing at school or in their activities, and he would share that news with friends and neighbors.

Duane will be remembered for his sense of humor. He liked a good joke and was regularly trading jokes with his grandchildren. He will also be remembered for eating his dessert first, because one would hate to be too full for dessert. And Duane will be remembered for loving LaVonne and missing her for twenty years.

Duane is survived by his children, Shawn (Wendi) Holz, Tania (Gene) Zent, and Clarissa (Courtney) Cooper; grandchildren, Nathan Zent, Monica (Blake) Lewison, Gemma Cooper, Miriam Cooper, Gianna Cooper, Zelie Cooper, Celia Cooper, and Aiden Cooper; great-grandchildren, Violet Gonzalez Cooper, Eden Lewison, and Silas Lewison; sister, Jean Reisenauer (Harlan Bowen); brother, Ron Holz; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dominic and Clara; wife, LaVonne; infant sister, Patricia; infant brother; father-in-law, Joseph C. Birdsall; mother-in-law, Ann (Martin) Birdsall-Schiwal, and stepfather-in-law, Joe Schiwal.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all staff and caregivers who assisted Duane during his time at Evergreen, Country House, and St. Benedict’s Health Center.