Duane Arvid Nelson of Hazelwood, Mo., passed away on Saturday March 10, 2018, at the age of 56. Beloved husband of 2 years to Rebecca Jean Nelson-Zoole and the late Becky Mary Nelson; cherished son of the late Daryl D. Nelson and Patricia A. Nelson; devoted father of Kristian Nelson, and step-father of Johanna Elkana and Maia (Paul Bender) Elkana; loving grandfather of Eitan Elkana-Hale, Aviva Elkana, and Natasha Elkana; dear brother of Eric (Malia) Nelson and Harold Nelson; treasured uncle of CeCe Nelson; Squire to his Knight Duncan Eardstapa and Squire Brother to Adam Hale. 

Duane held a Master’s degree from Mizzou and enjoyed a rewarding second career as a Social Studies teacher in multiple school districts including University City, St. Charles, and Normandy after a 24 year career at Midwest Library Service. He volunteered as a tutor at Loyola Academy, and was a classroom volunteer with his wife, Rebecca, at Congregation B’nai Amoona and at Central Reform Congregation, where he was a valued member. He was also a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and had served as past Congregational President at Christ the King Lutheran Church. Known as Lord Sveinn Njalsson, an 11th century Swedish merchant and fighter, Duane earned recognition for service and gallantry from the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). He was dearly loved, and his constant smile will be missed by all who knew him. 

Services: The family is being served by the Baue Funeral Home, 620 Jefferson Street, St. Charles, MO. Graveside service Tues. Mar. 13, 11am at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials to Evelyn’s House or The American Cancer Society. Visit Baue.com.