Duane M. Skow
October 20, 2009
Duane M. Skow was born May 18, 1934 and passed away on October 20, 2009 of prostate cancer at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Duane was the State Statistician of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service and chief for the Iowa Department of Agriculture Statistics Bureau from 1973 until his retirement in 1995.
The son of John J. Skow and Anina M. (Anderson) Skow, Duane was born in St. Paul, Nebraska and was baptized in Walbach, NE on August 19, 1934. The family moved to South Dakota, which Duane always called home, in 1937. After graduating from high school in Gayville, South Dakota in 1952, he earned a double major in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Economics at South Dakota State College in Brookings in 1957. While still in college, Duane started his long illustrious career with USDA in 1956 working as the editor of statistical profiles for each of South Dakota’s 67 counties.
In 1957, Duane met his beloved wife, Vinette (Vi) Byg. They were married on August 8, 1959. After a brief assignment with USDA in Washington DC, he was promoted to Statistician in Charge of the Alaska State Office of USDA/NASS from 1965-1970. In 1970, he was transferred to the Texas State Office of USDA/NASS, and then in 1971-1973 he became Deputy State Statistician in California. USDA used these diverse assignments to groom Duane for what became his permanent position as USDA’s Chief AG Statistician in Iowa for the next 23 years. Throughout his career, Duane was recognized by his colleagues, receiving the USDA Certificate of Merit (1966), USDA Superior Service Award (1978) and the USDA/NASS Spot Ward (1991). Duane served as a consultant for a variety of agencies and organizations including several international assignments in Poland after the fall of the Soviet Union and the move towards free market economy.
Duane is survived by his wife Vi, five children and twelve grandchildren: Dane Duane Skow (Nancy Skow) - Emily, Allison and Laura; John Wesley Skow (Tracy Edmonson) - Peter, Tyler and Andrew; Lynette Skow Rasmussen (Kurt Rasmussen) - Sanna, Karl and Maren; Darlene Skow Johnson (Daniel Johnson) - Parker and Zoe; and Valerie Christine Skow (Nick Halstead) - Daniel Duane.
In life Duane loved his family, church and his work. He brought hope, optimism and a smile to everyone he met.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2009, at Luther Memorial Church, 1201 Grandview Ave in Des Moines with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. A visitation with the family present will be from 3-7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 25 at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines.
He may be remembered by contributions to the Des Moines YMCA Camp in Boone, Iowa or the Danish Immigrant Museum in Elkhorn, Iowa.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Donald and Muriel Foster
10/24/2009
Vinette and Family: We are sorry to hear Duane is gone. You have our condolences for your loss. We remember your wedding and our re-unions meetings especially in Ireland. May God be with you. Donald and Muriel
Bill Scrivner
10/23/2009
Dear Vi and Family,
Learning of Duanes death today was truly and deeply saddening. Duane was one of those men I truly looked up to. He was a great man and he accomplished much during his career with NASS. His accomplishments range far within his professional life and farther still in his personal life.
My memories of him are strongest regarding the personal values he shared with me. From the first time we met, at my job interview, I knew he was a man of character. Sometimes, Im sure, it irritated the deputy, Dick Knight, my going to Duane instead of to him with an issue but Duane never chastised me for doing so. I always found him to be encouraging and as supporting as possible.
Duane helped see me through some difficult times with his counsel as a Dutch Uncle. One particularly tough time for me was the death of my 23-month-old niece following heart surgery. Duane seemed to know just the right words to use to make the burden bearable. He was also there for me when my Dad died with his assurance that things would be arranged so that I would have plenty of leave time to stay in Iowa through the funeral.
I have many fond memories of my tour in the Iowa SSO and of Duanes leadership. No words can portray my respect for Duane and all he has done.
I pray that his memory and his values will live on in each of you as they do in me.
God Bless,
Bill Scrivner
Chuck and Janet Hockey +Family
10/24/2009
Hello Vi and Family
I just want to extend our sympathy and sorrow over Duane's death. I have lots of good memories of that guy from growing up at church. I know he is with our Savior but it's still a tough loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Love in Christ, Chuck, Janet Hockey and Family
Lyle Jobst
10/22/2009
I am sorry to hear the news about Duane. Sounds like his family has alot to be proud of and I am sure you have a lot of good stories and memories that you can pass on to your family. My deepest condolences go to the family of Duane Skow. May God bless and comfort everyone who knew him.
LuVern & Diane Sorensen
10/21/2009
We are sorry to hear of the passing away of your precious loved one, Duane! My sister, Maxine, was married to his brother, Virgil. I remember the beautiful pastel pictures of birds the Duane made for his mother, as well as the work he did with his brothers on various cars. He always had time for me, a curious younger boy!Many wonderful memories of a good man! May God bless you and comfort you in these difficult days ahead.