Ballantine, Montana – Duane Allison Broadbent, 87,of Ballantine died on December 10, 2022 at his home surrounded by his wife, Jean; son, Tim; and daughter-in-law, Cindy.
Duane was born to Allison and Juanita Broadbent on June 26, 1935 in Corning, Kansas. He was the second of seven children. He was raised in Topeka, Kansas and graduated from Seaman High School. Duane worked for Santa Fe Railroad in the office after graduation then joined the Marines.
Duane married Jean (Oblander) on January 25, 1958. They would have celebrated their 65th anniversary next month. They lived in McPherson, Kansas for a year while Duane worked for Farmers Alliance Insurance Company. They moved to Topeka, Kansas for a year while Duane worked for Retail Credit Company. They moved to Ballantine, Montana in 1960 where Duane worked for Yellowstone Valley Electric Company for thirty-two years. Duane started out working on the ground crew and moved his way up through the company until he retired as the general manager. After retiring from Yellowstone Valley Electric, he was the manager of Central Montana Power for a year.
Duane was a member of the Worden Open Bible Church and the American Legion 117. He served on the boards for the Huntley Project Museum and Nemont Telephone Company. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and woodworking.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Beth Spear; brother Bill; sisters Ruthie Broadbent and Bobbie Sowards; sister-in-law, Paulette Broadbent; and brothers-in-law Albert Fiebig, Morris Sowards, and Keith Ewen. He is survived by his wife, Jean; son Tim (Cindy); son-in-law Todd (Peggy) Spear; sisters Helen Fiebig, Shirley Miller; brother Larry; and sister-in-law Doris Ewen; eleven grandchildren, Stephanie (John) Duffner, Sarah (Martin) Townsend, Sean (Erica) Spear, Seth (Abba) Spear, Suzie (Josh) Bradley, Stephen (Emily) Spear, Samuel Spear, Amanda (Trevan) Hiersche, Emily Broadbent, Josh (Madison) Broadbent, and Nathan Broadbent; as well as 10 great-grandchildren Mathias, Eliana, Isaiah, Nolan, Will, Dustin, Jason, Charlie, Molly, and Braxton; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. John’s Hospice as well as Butch and Sherry Ewen for their compassionate care and support in Duane’s last days.
Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 17, at Heights Family Funeral Home, 733 W. Wicks Lane in Billings, followed by a dessert reception. Interment will be at Pleasantview Cemetery in Ballantine.
Memorials can be made to Worden Open Bible, St. John’s Hospice or the charity of your choice
