Duane E. Harper, age 76, of Waucoma, IA passed away on Wednesday, August
17, 2022 with his wife by his side at Country Winds Manor in Cresco,
IA.
A memorial service will be held AT 10:30 am on Saturday, August 27,
2022 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stapleton, IA with Pastor Laurie
Ludin-Nelson officiating the service. Burial will follow at St. John’s
Cemetery at Stapleton.
There will be a one hour visitation at the church prior to the
memorial service on Saturday, August 27, 2022. Online condolences may be
left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s
Children’s Hospital.
Duane Eugene was born May 12, 1946, the son of Eldon and Fern
(Folkerts) Harper in Hoisington, KS. He was raised on the Harper Family
Century farm in Albert, KS. Duane0 attended school and graduated from
Otis High School. After completing his education, Duane attended Fort
Hays State University where he earned his Master’s Degrees in Business
and Accounting. In 1968, Duane enlisted in the United States Army
Reserves. He proudly served his country as a Senior Drill instructor
and achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class prior to his honorable
discharge in 1974.
Upon his return home, Duane began his lifelong
profession as an educator where he taught his passion of business. In
1986, through a chance meeting, Duane bumped into a young, Charleen
Dudley. The couple became friends and were united in marriage on March
26, 1988. Duane lovingly welcomed Charleen’s children, Elizabeth and
Christopher. Together the family welcomed daughters, Victoria, Meredith
and Monica. The family has lived in Kansas and Texas and has called
Iowa “home” since 2000 when he accepted a job at Upper Iowa University
until his retirement in 2010.
When Duane wasn’t sharing his passion in the classroom, he was eager
to share his love of collectable cars and tractors with his family and
friends. Duane was also a seasoned distance runner logging up to 16
miles per day until he was 50 years of age when his health no longer
allowed him to run. He went on to coach his children in cross country
and track. He could often be found at local cross country events. Duane
was also a proud cancer survivor, fighting prostate and pancreatic
cancers. His family was his pride and joy and loved every moment shared
with his wife, children and grandchildren. He’s been a lifelong
Lutheran who was always active in his church.
Those left to cherish Duane’s memories are his wife, Charleen Harper
of Waucoma, IA; his children, Elizabeth Peterson of Norman, OK,
Christopher (Justin Jensen) Dudley of Independence, MO, Victoria
(Marshall) Halverson of Altoona, IA, Meredith (Layne) Huber of Algona,
IA and Monica (Adam) Schmitt of West Union, IA; eight grandchildren and
extended family in Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parent, Eldon (Fern) Harper; his siblings, Dennis Harper and Dixie Stein.