Duane E. "Pops" Vobach

Duane E. “Pops” Vobach, 85, passed away, Thurs., Sept. 9, 2010 at home surrounded by his loving family. Duane was born December 11, 1924 in McFarland, KS the son of Emil and Dora (TenEyck) Vobach. Duane served in the US Navy aboard the USS Pacific Craft 1251 during WW II. He also served during the Korean War. He was combat wounded and honorably retired with a Purple Heart as well as many other medals and awards. Duane viewed serving his country as an honor and he did so with great pride. He married Rosemarie Nauheim and on August 29th of this year they celebrated 63 years of marriage. She survives. Duane owned, built and drove jalopies, super modifieds and then sprint cars. Just some of the most prominent racing colleagues associated with him included Kenny Weld, Thad Dosher, Wes Farrand, Carl Murphy, Tom Wunder and Gary “Buzz” Hanna. He is in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, IA. He later built winning engines for several different local race teams competing throughout the Midwest. He was employed by the State of Kansas, Maintenance Division specializing on HVAC systems until his retirement in 1987. One could never mistake Duane as he always enjoyed a good cigar, even if only to chew on it. He was an avid bowler, competing in league play and enjoyed planting his tomato plants in the spring which would eventually be turned into homemade tomato juice. Pops was a very kind and caring person and everyone who knew him could always count on his listening and help. Spending time with his family was something he truly enjoyed. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Rosemarie Vobach; son, Michael (Joanne)Vobach, Topeka; daughter, Mary Ann (Tom) Shomber, Tonganoxie, KS; daughter, Susan Vobach, Topeka; grandchildren, Peter Vobach, Shane Vobach, Ryan Vobach, Tia Shomber and Brice Shomber; and great-grandchildren, Madisyn Vobach and Rhylee Vobach. He was preceded in death by his brother, Melvin Vobach and sister, Helen Mee. Duane will lie in state from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010 at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka KS 66614, where his family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment with full military honors will be at Mount Hope Cemetery on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans and/or Midland Hospice Care, sent in care of the funeral home.

Duane E. "Pops" Vobach

December 11, 1924 - September 14, 2010