Duane Harper
May 12, 1946 ~ August 17, 2022
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.
I am so sorry to hear this. Duane was a colleague and friend of mine at Upper Iowa University. We worked on many committees together. He was always willing to help in whatever way he could. I remember having many conversations with Duane about teaching. We shared a lot of laughs. Sincere sympathy to family and friends.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Conway-Markham Funeral Home – New Hampton
Deepest sympathy to the Harper family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
So sorry for you loss. You and your family are in my thoughts. Deepest sympathies.
So sorry for your loss
We worked with Duane for almost a decade at UIU. He was our friend and colleague. We remember him as a cheerful, engaging person, always ready to help, and we would see him frequently during his runs around Fayette. Our prayers are with Charleen and the family. Roland Magda Vazquez
I am so sorry for your loss. Duane was my Mentor and friend. He help guide me to my accounting profession. He will be missed. My Prayers and thoughts to all.
Shelley Cox 2 minutes ago I am so sorry for your loss. Duane was my Mentor and friend. He help guide me to my accounting profession. He will be missed. My Prayers and thoughts to all.
Sorry to hear about your loss. He was a wonderful person, I’m glad that I knew him.
Dear Vickie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With heartfelt condolences, Angela Franklin
Now is a time to celebrate his life and think back on all that he impacted and accomplished.
Professor Harper was one of my favorite professors. I always enjoyed our long talks during college.
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Rest now my friend. I started addressing you as “Mr. Harper” in the Mullinville High School and grew to calling you “Duane”. Thank you for being a mentor, teacher, counselor, advisor, working colleague at JCCC, and most of all – a friend. Your comments and advice were always optimistic, concise, and practical. Your engaging personality felt like I was the only person with you at the moment. I cherish our many visits, especially those to my home. Rest now my friend. Ill see you later! My prayers are with Charleen and family. Sheldon Woolery
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am glad to have gotten to know Duane through being a friend of Charleen. Duane will have many stars in heaven for all the inspiration and encouragement and kindness to people. Duane was so easy to talk to and so knowledgeable about many categories. Duane and Charleen shared the love of Christ in there lives praying and helping people.
Mr Harper was my typing teacher at Mullinville High School in Kansas. His class was so much fun. I’ll always admire his optimism, wisdom and care of his students. I’m so sad to hear of his passing; much too soon. Please know your dad affected many.
Mr. Harper was my high school business teacher at Mullinville High School in Kansas. He was a great teacher who inspired me to get my teaching degree in business. He made learning so much fun. Thank you for all you did as a teacher and mentor. You will be missed.