Duane Joseph Obershaw
10/28/1949 - 07/29/2023
Phoenix, AZ
Duane Joseph Obershaw was born in Williston, North Dakota but lived most of his life in Mesa, AZ.
He attended Westwood High School where he played football and also enjoyed playing church ball.
He was handsome, athletic, strong, and well-liked by others. His skilled, enthusiastic way of speaking made him the perfect salesman, and most of his professional life was spent in sales.
He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Australia in his young adult life.
His life was not without challenges, yet he kept going. He kept contact with dear friends he had known in
high school and made lasting friendships with members of his church congregation who were ever
supportive.
His passing was while in the care of Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, and marks the end of a courageous
battle with cancer. Over the past few years he continued to reach out to serve others and attend church until his illness made that impossible. He was always making plans and goals for things to do in the future.
He is survived by his siblings, Dennis Ellsworth, Iris Shumway, Ronda Richardson, and Jolene Williams and daughters, Deena DeFranco (Corona, California) and Alison Willis (Shreveport, Louisiana) and 7(one
deceased) grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
His memorial service will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints building at 422 E. University Drive, Mesa 85203 at 10 am, and all those who would like to attend
are welcome.
He attended Westwood High School where he played football and also enjoyed playing church ball.
He was handsome, athletic, strong, and well-liked by others. His skilled, enthusiastic way of speaking made him the perfect salesman, and most of his professional life was spent in sales.
He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Australia in his young adult life.
His life was not without challenges, yet he kept going. He kept contact with dear friends he had known in
high school and made lasting friendships with members of his church congregation who were ever
supportive.
His passing was while in the care of Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, and marks the end of a courageous
battle with cancer. Over the past few years he continued to reach out to serve others and attend church until his illness made that impossible. He was always making plans and goals for things to do in the future.
He is survived by his siblings, Dennis Ellsworth, Iris Shumway, Ronda Richardson, and Jolene Williams and daughters, Deena DeFranco (Corona, California) and Alison Willis (Shreveport, Louisiana) and 7(one
deceased) grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
His memorial service will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints building at 422 E. University Drive, Mesa 85203 at 10 am, and all those who would like to attend
are welcome.
Condolences
"I knew your dad, but mostly you uncle Dennis. So very sorry for your loss. Cancer is awful and I'm sorry he had to deal with it. Prayers for you and your family at this time. "
Barbara McCollum Rogers
"Uncle Duane you will forever be remembered for your big jovial smile, firm handshake, offering gum to everyone and an appreciation for best in class apparel. Your zest for life will continue through your beautiful daughters and grandchildren. I love you!! ???? "
Wendy
"I am really sorry for your lose, your father will forever hold a special place in mine and family's heart. I'm sure he has mentioned my family before, we are the Mauricio family. Praying for your whole family!"
America Mauricio
"My most sincere condolences go out to all friends and family members. May Duane rest in every lasting peace."
Lonnie Keith
"I am saddened to hear of Duane’s passing, he was a dear friend from our Australian mission many years ago. I had the chance to visit with him from time to time over the years, and had a great love for his great personality and pleasant nature. God bless his posterity, he will be a wonderful guardian angel for his loved ones. "
John B. Hewlett
"Oh Brother! I can’t even begin to tell you how much you are missed! I know I came quite a bit later into our family, but thank you for reassuring me that I was still “an Obershaw!” You kept us on our toes many times but I commend these last years because of the vigilant battle with the monster cancer that took you to Heaven. The last years since marrying ARLIN had a profound effect on your countenance and determination to do greater things like selling homes. I hope you get to do those sales pitches in Heaven, Bro! I love you and l miss you lots—so does ARLIN. We promise to do the right in your memory. It’s surreal you are not physically here anymore! But I know you continue to live through our memories—thank you for all the fun times we had, Duane. I love you dearly and also Deena and Alison. Proud Auntie and great auntie also Gr Gr Auntie"
Your sister and BIL, Ronda and ARLIN Richardson
"I first met Duane in 1981, 42 years ago on a trip to AZ through my life long best friend Vince(Vinnie) Ford. Duane had sold him his very first car! Got to know Duane better when I moved out to AZ in 1986. Spent quite a bit time in those early years going to various high school and college sporting events together, on a few karaoke outings, occasional drives out to the lake or river and over many a hearty breakfasts at various restaurants in Mesa. Will miss Duane's big smile, sense of humor and unique Duane laugh! Rest in peace my friend. Mike(Mick) Mickelson "
"I too had the chance to visit with Duane from time to time over the years beginning around 1965 when Dennis, Duane, and Iris moved into the Mesa 14th Ward a few houses down the street and around two corners. Activity in Boy Scouts brought Duane into contact also with my father who Duane called Mr. Fred. We bumped into each other years later in a Phoenix ward, and Duane lived with me for a few months in 1981 before I left for Mexico tourism. More recently, in 2018 brother Jack, cousin Don, and I ate with Duane at Matta's in the Riverview Shopping Center and remembered old times and caught up on life's dreams and activities. God bless Duane Joseph Obershaw, an unusually talented man."
David R. Stapley
"Bro, as that's how I always addressed my brother Duane, I'm at a loss for words. But the e tears run deep in missing your presence. I will always remember the fun times we had, your debonair persona, positive thoughts and always planning the next step, your stories and jokes always made me and Arlin laugh, and you humble knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it's Restoration. You knew the Book of Mormon well, which is commendable. I'm grateful to have had 53 years with you as a sister Duane. You have me beautiful girls to be Auntie and Gr Aunt to, and two precious gr gr nephews to also be Auntie for them. Deena and Alison, Dad was always proud of you and your family. He never hesitated in giving me updated information on your progress. I'm proud of the way you both are doing as women and mothers. Uncle Arlin and I love you all ever so much! Sending our love always."
Aunt Ronda Richardson
"Duane was always a warm happy friend. I will fondly remember our time at WHS. Rest in peace dear friend."
Sally Arnett Traynor
"Rest in peace! ???? you Duane!!"
Irma jackson ( cousin)
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