Duane Martin Pockrandt

Duane Martin Pockrandt

February 2, 1930—September 14, 2019

Duane Martin Pockrandt went home to be with the Lord peacefully Saturday, September 14, 2019 after a very lengthy illness.  He was born to Martin and Dora Pockrandt in Norfolk, Nebraska on February 2, 1930 in the family home.  He alternated from Nebraska to California as a child. He graduated from maritime school in New York. In 1950, joined the Navy and became an accomplished welder and metallurgist.  He made four Korean combat missions on the rocket ship, USS 403 and was discharged from the USS Romulas ARL 22 in San Diego California; where he met and married his soulmate Donna. They started their family in their first home in Southern California, but, as entrepreneurs, moved to Puerto Rico in 1962, opening a manufacturing plant making electric cords, caution flasher & a pioneering electronic medical thermometer.

In 1966, Duane working as a contractor for Lockheed (E.I.L. Instruments) the family moved to Ridgecrest. Eventually he went to work civil service where he provided systems engineering avionics and weapons integration support on marine and navy aircraft (A4, A7, A6, & F18).  He also supported special Air Force and Navy weapons. Most important he mentored young engineers to be better systems engineers.  His presence made a difference for the military.

A man of faith, and love for his active family and community, he made every effort to support whatever endeavor they chose. He actively participated in Grace Lutheran Church, Quarter Midget Racing, Torrance YMCA, Youth baseball, IWV football, Boy Scout Troop 848, Rod & Gun Club, Habitat Fish & Game Club, horseback riding, raising farm animals, gardening, camping, fishing, boating, hunting, traveling, advocating for mental  health housing & services, assisting in community events,  working on 14 houses for Ridgecrest Habitat for Humanity,  Breakfast Bunch. As well as remodeling & maintaining the one acre ranch where the family has lived for 51 years and their four children were raised.

He was preceded in death by his Son, Robert, Son, Scott, his parents, and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Donna, Son, Craig (Pamela) Pockrandt, Daughter, Lori (John) Trowbridge.  Grandchildren: Erik (Nicole), Rachel, Jason (Briana), Carrin, Marshall & Justin, a host of Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren; and many nieces and one-nephew.

He was loved and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held at Holland & Lyons Mortuary, 216 S Norma from 5-8 pm, on Thursday, 9/19/19 Services will at Grace Lutheran Church 502 N. Norma Street, 10:00 am on Friday, 9/20/19, with a graveside service at Desert Memorial Park, 801 S San Bernardino Blvd and a reception at Grace Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.