Duane Schoening

Arthur Duane Schoening, the youngest of three sons of Arthur Ferdinand Schoening and Grace Ella (Green) Schoening, was born on his parents' farm near Mineola, Iowa on September 14, 1930. Duane grew up around Mineola where he attended Letal Country School through the 8th grade. Duane remained at home to help on the farm while his brother Gordon left for the service. Later Duane entered the United States Army, where he served as a Master Sergeant in the Artillery Division during the Korean War, from 1951 to 1953. Following his discharge, Duane returned home to the farm.

Duane and Irene Faye Havener were married on January 19, 1954 at the St. John Lutheran Church in Mineola. They made their home on the farm and were blessed with three children, Randall, Craig, and Kathy. The family was members of St. John and enjoyed hosting card parties in the neighborhood and attending Mineola dances. Duane also dabbled in carpentry and ran a custom combine operation in the fall. He loved to play pool and enjoyed participating in the tournaments held in Mineola. He served as an Oak Township Trustee for four terms, was a member of the Mineola Volunteer Fire Department, and the Glenwood Lion's Club. He enjoyed his large garden and always planted potatoes on Good Friday.

In 1991, Duane retired from farming and moved to Glenwood. He continued to do carpentry work until his eyes grew too weak to see. Duane looked forward to his afternoon coffee with the guys at McDonalds and loved spending time with his family.

In October of 2010, Duane was diagnosed with lung cancer. Duane died at his home on January 25, 2011, at the age of 80 years, 4 months, and 11 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; and great granddaughter, Hadleigh Griffin.

Duane is survived by his children, Randall Schoening and wife Nancy, Craig Schoening and wife Jerrilyn, and Kathy Anderson and husband Kevin; friend Anna Flannery; ex-wife Irene Schoening; brothers, Gordon Schoening and wife Pat, and Walter Schoening, all of Glenwood; 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

A memorial fund has been established.