DUANE ELLSWORTH STRAND, 71, longtime area resident, died Saturday morning, January 30, 2010 at Colorado Plains Medical Center in Fort Morgan. He was born September 3, 1938 in Enderlin, ND to Henry & Julia (Green) Strand. He served in the U.S. Army. Strand worked in the oilfield and in construction for the majority of his life, mainly working as a heavy equipment operator. During his semi-retirement he drove a truck. Mr. Strand was a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W. Post 2551. He enjoyed fishing, and doing mechanic and carpentry work. He was an avid Nascar fan and he also enjoyed going to the races. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Survivors include his three sons, Randy Strand and Duane R. Strand, both of Fort Morgan, and Preston Strand of Washington; his daughter, Melia Strand of Fort Morgan; 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ronald Strand. A memorial service will be Thursday, February 4th at 2:00 PM at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 1100 West Platte Ave., Fort Morgan. Inurnment will follow in Serenity Falls Columbariun in Fort Morgan. The Heer & Dahl Mortuary in Fort Morgan is in charge of the arrangements.