Duane Waldo LeSueur

Duane Waldo LeSueur was born on August 28, 1940, in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, the eldest of nine children born to Waldo Young and Louise Barton LeSueur. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Mesa, Arizona, where he enjoyed a happy childhood surrounded by family, friends, and the simple joys of growing up in a large and loving family.

Duane grew up with a great love for sports. His love of basketball and baseball extended far beyond the court or the playing field. Some of his favorite moments came later in life - watching games with family, talking sports, and cheering on his children and grandchildren from the stands.

As a teenager, Duane spent his summers in Roberts, Idaho, working on Rollo and Thelma Dutson’s farm. It was during this time that he fell in love with their daughter, Janet Leilani. Their friendship grew into a deep and enduring love. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on January 23, 1959, and began building a life together centered on faith, family, and hard work.

Duane earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Arizona State University and went on to enjoy a successful career at Motorola. His work took him around the world, where he developed a deep appreciation for other cultures. A highlight was spending two and a half years in Geneva, Switzerland, with his family, where he formed friendships he treasured throughout his life.

Duane was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life and was devoted to his faith in the Savior. He found great joy in being a good friend and serving others, whether in his family, neighborhood, church, or community. His faith was not only something he believed; it was something he lived each day through quiet acts of service, compassion, and love.

Duane and Leilani were blessed with six children, whom they raised in a home filled with love, laughter, and devotion to the gospel. Their lives were deeply rooted in faith and family, and they faced life’s challenges together. Life was forever changed when Leilani was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a courageous battle, she passed away on December 21, 1984, at the age of 44. In the years that followed, Duane continued raising children still at home, embraced being a grandfather, and remained dedicated to his work at Motorola. Although those years were challenging, he persevered, maintained his faith, and continued to find happiness.

In November 1997, Duane found love again when he married Karen Thomas. Over the next 28 years, they shared many wonderful adventures, including living in Japan, where he finished his career with Motorola. They enjoyed summers at their cabin in Utah, traveling the world, and creating memories with children, grandchildren, and friends. A meaningful chapter of their lives was serving as public affairs missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Edinburgh, Scotland, where they deepened their faith and love of service. After their mission, Duane dedicated the next 15 years to volunteer work with St. Vincent de Paul, finding great joy serving in his community.

Duane was a devoted Grandpa who found great happiness in spending time with his grandchildren. He never passed up a chance to tell a story, play a game, or create a memory with a grandchild. The arrival of a new grandchild was always a great source of joy for him. He loved holding those new babies, getting to know their personalities, and watching them grow through every stage of life. He had a special way of connecting with the older grandchildren who appreciated that he listened, remembered what mattered to them, and took a sincere interest in their lives.

Duane passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, May 27, 2026, surrounded by his family. He will be remembered for the way he loved his family, the friendships he nurtured, the faith he lived, and the countless people whose lives were better because they knew him.

Duane is survived by his wife, Karen Thomas LeSueur; his six children, Larry (Adele), Lynn (Connie), Lisa Olsen (David), Lanette Payne (Mike), Heidi Sherman (Jason), and Ryan (Maria); three stepchildren Jeff Curtis (Devin), Kristen Anderson (Steve), Kendra Jackimczyk (Ken); 24 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and his five brothers and one sister. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Craig and sister Colleen.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.