Duane was born February 10, 1927, in Fairbank, Iowa. For most of his childhood he lived in either Fairbank or Elma. In the early 40’s his family moved to Waterloo, Iowa, he graduated from West Waterloo High School in 1944. Duane was drafted into the Army soon after his 18th birthday in February of 1945. Like others in America’s greatest generation, he was proud to serve his country. Fortunately, the war ended just a few months later and he was never deployed overseas. He was discharged In November of 1946. Prior to his military service, Duane met Mary Wolgast while employed at the Gambles Hardware Store in Waterloo. They were married on August 25, 1945, while on leave from the Army. Duane attended Gates Business College after the war. Soon thereafter he took a job at Cooper Manufacturing, and they relocated to Marshalltown in June 1949. Duane was employed at Cooper’s until his retirement in 1988. He loved his job and taught us the importance of having a fulfilling and rewarding occupation. He was most proud of serving the Cooper family for nearly 40 years. Duane was also a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marshalltown. He served in many leadership positions over the years including serving on the planning committee for the construction of the present church building.

Upon his retirement, Dad and Mom traveled some but spent most of their time enjoying their four kids and spouses, along with seven grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. They adored their in-laws as much (or more) than their own children. Dad said many times his favorite thing in life was being a grandpa. He was always ready to make them an ice cream cone, give them a wheelbarrow ride or cater to their every want. There were many special Christmas celebrations with plenty of gifts and some very competitive bingo games. They were the best parents and grandparents anyone could ever want!

Dad’s life changed drastically with the passing of Mom in 2009. He became much more reserved and opted to simply enjoy the comforts of home. There were some health issues in 2010 but he did make a full recovery from cardiac arrest. It did slow him down significantly and along with his failing eyesight, he voluntarily gave up driving and many other activities.

The Marshalltown tornado of 2018 had a huge impact on him. Given extensive property damage, he was no longer able to live at home and moved to Grandview Heights. It was a challenging time for him but never once complained about being displaced from his home of 60+ years.

Dad will always be remembered for his kindness, compassion, generosity, and temperance. He is survived by his sister Myra Mark from Council Bluffs, son Mike (Deb) from Columbia, MO, daughter Patty Lacina (Joe) from Gladbrook, daughter Jeannette Baumler (Conrad) from Overland Park, KS, and son Doug (Linda) from West Des Moines, seven grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be directed to Redeemer Lutheran Church.