Duane W. Acklie was born on December 14, 1931, and attended schools in Madison County and Norfolk Junior College before graduating from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1955. He served as an Army Counter Intelligence Officer from 1955 to 1957 before engaging in private law practice from 1957 to 1972. Mr. Acklie then embarked on a successful new business career in truck transportation, banking, and real estate.

Acklie lived a life of distinguished service to others. He served as president of the Lincoln and Nebraska chambers of commerce and served on countless local and state boards that promoted business, education, and philanthropy. His fingerprints can be found among numerous service projects and charitable fund drives that benefit Nebraskans on many levels. The Lincoln Rotary Club honored Acklie as the 2015 Nebraskan of the Year.

Duane and Phyllis Acklie traveled through life and around the world through their 62 years of marriage. Their love and devotion created a beautiful family that began with daughters Dodie, Laura, and Holly and later flourished with the addition of sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.