Duane Francis Stein

Duane Francis Stein, 88, of Ames, peacefully passed away on Monday, February 7, 2022, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 25 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ames. Visitation will precede the funeral at the Church at 9:30 a.m.

Survivors include wife Rita of Ames, children Gerry (Carri) Stein of Jefferson, Marcia (Bob) Walsh of Bettendorf, Mark Stein of Iowa City, Barbara (Doug) Rothfus of Grimes, John (Donna) Stein of Nevada, Joan Stein (Jim Gregory) of Ames, Will (Pam) Stein of Mendota Heights, MN and Tom (Karen) Stein of Ames, sister Wilma Hart of Humboldt, sister-in-law Betty (Huseby) Stein of Humboldt, 15 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Minnie (Koeppen) Stein, siblings Gerald Stein, Shirley Stein, Gene and wife Mary Margaret (George) Stein, John and wife Lois (Sandt) Stein, and Curt Stein.

Duane was born on February 25, 1933, in Humboldt County. He was raised on a farm near Gilmore City, attended a one-room country school through 8th grade, and graduated from Gilmore City High School. He served in the Korean War with the Special Category Army with Air Force, stationed primarily in Japan.

After marrying Rita George on June 11, 1955, Duane and Rita settled on a family farm near Barnum and raised eight children together. Duane enjoyed supporting and watching his children’s school activities, especially baseball and softball, and the sounds of bat and glove were often heard as he worked the farm. A competitive card game of 500 was another fun way to spend time together. Duane appreciated a well-crafted poem and enjoyed reading his favorites to his children and grandchildren. Education was always a priority and he encouraged his children to work hard and strive to do well in school - and in life. His love of agriculture was a deeper love of the land and nature and he passed those values on to the next generation. His wife and children were his pride and joy. They will remain his greatest legacy.