Duane Walter
April 05, 2015
Duane Walter passed away at his home on April 4, 2015. Duane was born May 5, 1929 to Roy and Frances Walter in Marysville, Iowa.
Duane met the love of his life, Margaret Ann Findley in high school, he was a senior and she a freshman. After graduation in 1947, he joined the Navy and left Margaret to continue her education. Although, they were separated by many miles, they both wrote hundreds of letters to each other, all of which are still kept. After he returned home from the Navy they were married, June 25th 1950. They started their life on a farm in Lovilia. In 1954, they moved to Des Moines, where he and Margie soon built a home together. Duane spent long hours building the new house, each day after completing his work at Neumann Brothers Construction, where he worked for 41 years. Duane and Margie through the years spent a lot of time at Clear Lake, square dancing and camping at Old Thresher’s in Mt. Pleasant. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, “tinkering” in his garage and collecting memorabilia such as saw blades and caps. Duane was a member of Bloomfield United Methodist Church and Laborers Local #177.
Duane is survived by his children, Kathy (Cliff) Darrah and Randy (Elaine) Walter; grandchildren, Jodi Darrah, Brent (Trish) Darrah and Hannah (Scott) Davis; great-grandchildren, Madison Darrah, Chyanna Walker, Hunter Davis and Garrett Davis; siblings, Goldie and Dorothy; multiple nieces and nephews; and many beloved friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret; his parents; and his siblings, Roscoe, Jess, Donald and David.
Funeral services will at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2015 at Bloomfield United Methodist Church, 5930 Indianola Road with burial following at Elm Grove Cemetery. A visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 9 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bloomfield UMC parking fund.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Sandy Dyer
04/07/2015
On behalf of my parents Jr. and Barb Pottorff sending thoughts and prayers to all the family . Throughout many years they have been great friends- they will miss Duane stopping by to see them when he'd be in his old stomping ground!
Carol and Dan Davis
04/07/2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Walter family. May Duane rest in peace.
Cindy & Allen Henry Family
04/07/2015
We are so sorry for your loss of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob and Kathy Davis
04/07/2015
A good man has died and we will surely miss him. He was special to all of us and special to the Bloomfield United Methodist Church. Who could ever forget his humble spirit and his faithfulness to the task of ushering? His kindness and warm smile was always evident and we ever likened him as a dear friend. He will be missed!
Jane Phillips
04/06/2015
Duane will be missed for his dedication to Bloomfield and his kindness to other members and visitors. I enjoyed watching him watch little children in the pews around him as he would make eye contact and get them to grin. I'm sorry that I didn't know he was born in Marysville, married in Lovilia, and a brother to Jess, as I grew up in Bussey and was a close neighbor to Jess and Jean Walter. I would have enjoyed visiting with him about this!
Mike & Lynn Sucik
04/06/2015
Duane always had a wonderful smile and kind words for everyone. I'm happy to think of him and Margaret together again! He was a faithful servant.
The Arlaud family
04/06/2015
Duane was a fixture at Bloomfield church...one of the first and friendliest people we met there. Even though we didn't see him as much after second service was started, he always remembered our family and had hugs for our kids. His admirable dedication, quiet service, and kind eyes will be missed.