Duane L. Eberle Sr. 73 of Mason City, NE passed away Sunday, October 11, 2026, at his home two days short of his 74th birthday.
Duane LaRoy Eberle Sr. of Mason City was born October 13th, 1952. He was the third child to Raymond (Sooner) and Helen Eberle. He was united in marriage to Shelley Rynearson on November 18, 1972. To this union three children were born.
Duane worked at B-D in Broken Bow for 42 years where he made many friends along the way, while also farming with his dad.
Duane, fondly remembered by family and friends as Later, was known for his endless stories of days gone by and his chats with all he knew. He found his greatest joy in his family, farming, and caring for animals of all sizes. Duane took pride in helping neighbors both near and far. His large, sweet corn patch was a particular source of pride, and he loved sharing his bountiful harvest with the entire community.
There were countless stories of shenanigans with the Royle boys, including several Halloween pranks with many friends. Orrin Hoblyn hired Duane as a farm hand, but they became close friends, and the tales of their adventures are endless. Don Jones, Uncle Kenny Eberle, Irwin Hawkins, and Bob Petrick all shared in these escapades, which often involved horse play, cattle working, beer drinking, bar hopping, and endless shenanigans when they were together.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents Raymond (Sooner) and Helen Eberle, His in-laws Dale Rynearson Sr. and Irene Rynearson, brother Kenneth Eberle, niece Steffany Rynearson, nephew Joel Eberle, grandchildren Ella Eberle, and Logan Eberle.
He is survived by his wife Shelley Eberle of Mason City, Siblings Don Eberle of Hastings and Judy Rynearson of Ansley. Children D.J. (Kari) Eberle of Mason City, Marie (Barry) Sweley of Litchfield, and James (Jenny) Eberle of Doniphan. Grandchildren, Jonathan Eberle of Mason City, Cortnee Eberle of Kearney, Katelynn Sweley (Sean) of Omaha, Emilee Dowling (Ryan) of Bloomfield, Sydnee Sweley (Tyler) of Litchfield, Hunter Sweley of Litchfield, Brody Eberle and Rylan Eberle both of Doniphan. Great Grandchildren, Dallas Walter of Omaha, Briar Eberle of Ansley, many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10:30 AM at the Mason City Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Mason City Cemetery. A visitation and time to greet the family will be held on Friday, October 16th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online words of remembrance or condolences may be left at govierbrothers.com
