Windsor, VT — Duane R. "Squeeks" Olmsted, 84, died Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Springfield Center for Living and Rehabilitation.

Duane was born on June 16, 1941, in Windsor, the son of Olin and Doris (Rogers) Olmsted. He graduated from Windsor High School in 1959 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving honorably for four years. After returning home, he worked as a delivery driver on a bread route before joining the State of Vermont Department of Corrections in Windsor, where he worked in maintenance.

On March 17, 1977, Duane married Norene Payne in Windsor, where they made their home. He took an early retirement in the early 2000s to care for Norene as her health declined. Following her death in 2007, Duane was very active in the Elks and the American Legion both in Windsor. He spent many weekends with his family at Ascutney Mountain being a part of the mountain's Ski Patrol Staff for over eighteen years.

Duane was an avid outdoorsman who loved being in the woods or on the water. He was an accomplished hunter and fisherman, often joining friends on annual trips to Lake Champlain or spending the season at their hunting camp. He could often be found riding in his side-by-side with his companion Donna. Duane was also known to be an excellent dancer, frequently encouraging his children to join him on the dance floor. He had a special affection for animals, especially his beloved dog, Suzie.

He was predeceased by his wife, Norene Olmsted, and a son, Shane Olmsted. He is survived by three children, Tamara Simino (Joe) of Cornish, NH, Sheila Richards of Springfield, VT, and Travis Olmsted of Windsor; three stepchildren, Deborah Price, Doug Price, and Tracy Currier; fourteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; a sister, Elissa Zullo of Windsor; his nephew, Jason Hagerman and his companion Donna Sayah.

A Celebration of Duane's life will be held on Saturday, January 17, from 1–4 p.m. at the Windsor American Legion. A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 2 p.m. in Ascutney Cemetery in Windsor. Knight Funeral Home in Windsor has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Humaine Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156  https://www.spfldhumane.org/donate or Green Mountain Conservation Camp Endowment Fund. Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2. Montpelier, VT 05620-3702.