Col. Duane Richard Brofer

Col. Duane Richard Brofer
United States Army, Retired
December 27, 1929 - April 17, 2024

Duane Richard Brofer, 94 passed away April 17, 2024, at The Life Care Center in Sierra Vista, Arizona. A longtime resident of Sierra Vista, Duane was born December 27, 1929, in Ft. Dodge, Iowa, one of eight children. He embarked on his military career in 1948 in radio repair. In 1955 he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. After graduation he went to ranger school.

He and his wife Joanne (deceased) began his distinguished career traveling to many posts in the United States, Europe and in Southeastern Asia while raising his son and daughters.

Serving as an enlisted service member first then a commissioned officer, he earned the utmost respect from his soldiers, peers, and superiors.

Duane served two tours in Vietnam as an infantry helicopter pilot demonstrating his remarkable skills, bravery, and resilience during many difficult missions. His dedication to duty and courage earned him numerous commendations and the adoration of all who served with him. His military decorations include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star 2 OLC, Legion of Merit 2 OLC and the distinguished Flying Cross. He retired in 1980 with 31 ½ years of service with the rank of Colonel.

After his military career, Duane was a real estate broker for many years. He served with Cochise County workforce development to allocate funds for employment training, selected by Cochise Superior Court as mediator/arbitrator, active in MOAA and had served as their chapter president, and he was instrumental in the initial formation of the Center for Academic Success (CAS), in Arizona.

Duane loved all the adventures, challenges, and successes he had in the military and after, but his real joy later in life was his family. He is survived by his youngest sister Alice Cibert, of Missouri, his son Russell from Mansfield, Texas, his daughters Diane, and Darleen from Arizona and 3 grandchildren: Sea Brennan, Jennifer and Jason Bofer, 4 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Full military services will be at the Southern Arizona Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, Arizona on May 13th at 10 a.m.

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