BEND, OR–Duane “Denver” Meyer, known to many others as Papa Bear, surely went to sleep dreaming of the fish he would catch the next day, and peacefully left this world before the sun rose in Bend, Oregon on July 12, 2023.

He was born to the late Lester and Erna (Bruns) Meyer, on March 18th, 1949 in Gaylord, MN. Although Duane spent his early years in Gibbon, MN, he decided there was more to see and moved with his good friend to Colorado Springs, CO. It was there that he met the love of his life, Patsy Miller.

They married and raised their two girls, moving to Las Vegas in the late 80’s. Duane worked many jobs in life, but nothing gave him more enjoyment than operating heavy construction equipment. He had his own excavating business in Colorado, and then worked with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12 in Las Vegas, until his retirement.

After the passing of his wife, he retired and spent the winter months in Las Vegas, where he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and golfing. Depending on the season, he would cheer on his beloved Denver Broncos, Chicago Cubs or Vegas Knights. In the summer, he escaped the heat and enjoyed the fishing season at his daughter’s place in Bend, Oregon.

Wherever Duane was, once the morning news was over, he would switch the TV to the channel that was airing Gunsmoke, and check on a few websites. One of those was the obituaries from where he grew up. He would say, “well my name wasn’t in there, so it’s going to be a great day!” Oh, Duane, now it is your time for others to read a little about your life, and remember how great of a dad, husband, brother, friend and most importantly, the wonderful papa you were!

Duane leaves behind his daughter, Michelle and her husband Duncan Wilson, two grandchildren, Anthony and Rebecca Nappi, who were his pride and joy, sister, Diane Patten, brothers, Ron and Wally Meyer, extended family and numerous friends.

He joins in Heaven, both his parents, his wife of nearly 40 years, Patsy, his daughter Kathy and David, father to Anthony and Rebecca.

A service will be held to honor Denver, as he preferred to be called, on Saturday, September 16th at Foundation Lutheran Church, Las Vegas, Nevada

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