Duane Francis Lynch

duane lynch

Duane Francis Lynch age 84 of New Hampton passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 12, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton with Rev. James Goerend celebrating the Mass.  Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Hampton with Duane’s grandchildren serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Dean Borman, Gary Kuehn, Kevin Bill and Rich Crooks.

Friends may greet the family from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. Parish Scripture service.  Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday at the church.

641-394-4334.

Duane Francis Lynch was born on August 22, 1940, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in New Hampton, Iowa, Duane was the fourth of five boys born to Ed and Leone (Armbruster) Lynch.

Growing up on the family farm west of New Hampton, Duane’s early years were shaped by a deep connection to the land and a strong work ethic. His education began at St. Boniface School in Ionia before he transferred to New Hampton High School, from which he graduated in 1958. While in high school, Duane began working for the New Hampton Newspaper, a job that marked the start of his lifelong dedication to his community. Duane met Pat Baltes during their sophomore year. Their enduring love story culminated in their marriage on October 10, 1959, at St. Mary’s Church. The couple welcomed three beloved children: Pam, Penny, and David. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures.

Duane’s career took him from Oliver in Charles City to various roles, including working for a local farmer and as a pressman at the Charles City Press. When his father retired, Duane took over the family farm while continuing his work as a pressman. In 1977, he transitioned to full-time farming.  Later he became a Dekalb salesman, a role he embraced with his characteristic enthusiasm. Even in his later years, Duane’s passion for farming never wavered, and he could often be found keeping his farm and pond in pristine condition, embodying the timeless dedication of a true farmer.   He loved to end his work day by asking Pat “Want to go for a ride?” which translated to “ Let’s check the crops.” Those rides just might have included a Busch Lite or a margarita.

A committed member of his community, Duane served on the St. Mary’s Church council, the FHA board, and the Golden Grain Board. His interest in government and politics sparked many lively discussions, and he was always eager to share his opinions. For over 60 years, Duane was an avid card player, particularly enjoying euchre with his long-standing card club.  Along with playing cards, he enjoyed his visits to the casino with his wife Pat.

Duane and Pat cherished their travels, spending many winters in Rockport, Texas, and exploring destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, and Ireland. Their adventures extended to numerous cruises and treasured moments with friends and family.

Duane’s love for his family was profound. He hosted countless family reunions at the family farm and pond, creating lasting memories for generations. His legacy of family gatherings continues to be celebrated at a variety of locations.

Duane is greatly missed by Pat, his wife of 65 years, his daughter Pam Meyer (fiance Hugh Howerton) of San Antonio, Texas, daughter Penny Perkins (Scott) of New Hampton, Iowa, son David Lynch of Mason City, Iowa; grandchildren Amanda Meyer(Mike D’Auria) of Brooklyn, New York, Zachary Perkins (Jenny and Ryan Boothe) of Ankeny, Iowa, Elizabeth Campanella (Nick) of San Antonio, Texas, Emma Perkins of Rochester, Minnesota, Evan Lynch of Mason City, Iowa, and Andraya Meyer (Isaac) of San Antonio, Texas; great-grandchildren Francis and Jude D’Auria of Brooklyn, New York; two brothers, Don Lynch of Waseca, MN, Jack Lynch of Morton, IL.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Leone Lynch, his parents-in-law Virgil and Phyllis Baltes, and brothers Bob and Richard, as well as other family members who are deeply missed. 

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to the family.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. We send our sincere condolences to the Lynch family. Duane was a very strong agricultural asset to the area. He will be truly missed by family and community.

  2. Our deepest sympathy to Pat and her family. Duane was man with a big heart and he shared it with all that met him. Rest In Peace Duane.

  3. Pat and family, my condolences to my farming neighbor and friend. Duane loved his family and always had time to share his heart with others. He is missed and will never be forgotten.

  4. Sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. He was a great neighbor and friend . Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.

  5. So sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. My prayers for you Pat and your family. He was a wonderful person. He will be missed.

  6. Dear Pat and Family,
    Vern and I are sending our deepest sympathies! Pat, you and Duane meant everything to us. He will be missed dearly.
    Love Vern, Jean and Family

  7. Dear Pat and family,
    We are so very sorry for your loss of Duane. He was such a dear friend to us. Duane will be missed by so many people who loved him. Hugs and prayers to you all.

  8. Pat and family, so sorry for your loss. Duane will be missed, he always had something to say. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.

  9. To Pat and all. We’re so sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. Who would know that our meal at pizza ranch last week would be our last acquaintance We enjoyed doing hay on his farm and driving down the long road to the beautiful pond. He was a super guy. May he rest in peace. Deepest sympathy to everyone. He’ll be truly missed

  10. We send our deepest condolences to Pat and all of Duane’s loved ones. Duane was gifted with warmth, wit, humor and grace. His wisdom and kind spirit were a gift to us all!

  11. Always enjoyed my visits with Duane. A fun loving guy to be near and will be missed greatly. Our sympathies to Pat and the family.

  12. Pat and family,
    We are truly shocked and saddened to hear of Duane’s passing! He was such a great guy and will be missed by many people. We always enjoyed meeting up for a meal with you when we were in Iowa and talking to him on the phone to get updates and catch up on local news. Our heartfelt sympathy and warm hugs to you for your loss!

  13. Pat and family, my sincere sympathy and prayers on the loss of Duane. He was a very fine gentleman and he will be missed by many. May he now rest in peace in his Heavenly kingdom.

  14. Pat and family you have our deepest sympathy . Duane was one of the friendliest people we knew and always interesting to visit with.

  15. So sorry for your loss! Duane will be missed by many. He was a very kind man. Prayers to the entire family. Kristy Steffes Ashton and family!

  16. We extend our sincere sympathy to the Lynch family at Duane’s passing. May fond memories sustain you through the days ahead. Dan & Carolyn Shaw

  17. Our deepest sympathies to Pat and family. Duane will be truly missed by all. Sending our love and prayers. Dan & Cathy Shatek

  18. Pat and family. Our sympathy to Pat & family. Very sorry for your loss I had a good visit with him on his birthday. He was doing what he loved. Driving a tractor in the field, mowing crp ground. Duane helped me out a lot working on the farm. He had a green thumb in everything he did. Going to miss him a lot. R.I.P. DUANE Gary & Connie Kuehn

  19. So sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. He will be missed. They sure are starting to get a big card party going on in Heaven. Hugs to you Pat and the kids.

  20. My sympathy to all the Lynch family find the grace of Jesus during this time of grief. Rely on Jesus Mercy.

  21. Dear Pat and family. We have all lost a wonderful, kind man. Dave enjoyed his morning coffees on Saturdays with Duane. He has been in our thoughts so much lately because of his health issues. We are so sorry for all of you and please know that Duane will be missed by all who knew him.

  22. FROM THE VINCENT P LUCHSINGER FAMILY TO PAT AND THE LYNCH FAMILY. WE SEND OUR PRAYERS AND LOVE FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS: A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES AS CHILDREN GROWING UP, PLAYING BALL, ENJOYING GOOD FOOD AND IOWA FARM LIFE AND THEN ENJOYING THE BEAUTIFUL LYNCH FARM OF TODAY.
    SPECIAK BLESSINGS FROM VINCENT IN TEXAS, MARJORIE-JOYCE INDIANA, ROSE-MARY NEW JERSEY, VIRGINIA IN VERMONT, AND VIRGINETTE IN CHICAGO. PEACE AND LOVE TO YOU ALL. RIP DUANE

  23. We are surprised and saddened to hear of Duane’s passing. We will miss his friendly smile and great stories. Pat, our prayers and thought are with you in the coming days. Friends and neighbors are there for you.

  24. Rex&Lora Pavlovec
    229 S. Michigan St. Apt. 2
    Prairie Du Chien, WI 53821

    Lori has passed away but her wishes were for me to Sign Duane’s Guest Book! I will FOREVER MISS THEM until we MEET AGAIN! R.I.P. The Lynch’s are the kindest folks ever! God Rewards those WHO HELP OTHERS! Pat we LOVE YOU and we are here to help any way we can! You WILL NEVER BE ALONE! WE LOVE YOUR FAMILY WITH ALL OUR HEARTS!

  25. Bob and I are so very sorry for your loss. Duane will be greatly missed by many. You have our deepest sympathy Pat and family.

  26. We will certainly miss Duane and his stories. A man of many words and we enjoyed every one. Pat and family, Terry and I send sincere thought and prayers! He was one of the best! Rest in Peace Duane.

  27. Pat and family, I can’t imagine what you all are going through! The heartache, but also the joy and memories of having such a stoic guy in all of your lives. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was always fun to visit with. I am going to miss seeing and talking to him. The emptiness has to be overwhelming, but know he will be watching all of you from above and guiding you! Hugs and prayers to all! Godspeed!

  28. So very sorry Pat and family Duane was for sure one of the best! We have lots of good memories and he will be missed by for sure. Our deepest sympathy to all.

  29. Jim and Joleen Anderegg of Rockwell Ia (and also of Rockport Tx as Winter Texans) share our wishes of deepest sympathy with the Lynch family. This is sad and unexpected news. May your memories of many years sustain you as you grieve…we will miss him, too.

  30. Pat and family,
    We are so sad to hear about Duane. He was such a great friend to my folks. He was a number 1 guy in my book. He will be surely missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult days ahead.

  31. The Testroet family sends thoughts and prayers to Pat and the Lynch families! Memories of Duane make us smile with his quick wit and knack for knowing just how to pick on a person in a fun and loving way. Hugs from us all!

  32. Pat and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Duane was a great person and will be missed by many. I’ll always cherish the memories from our cruises together! There’s one heck of a card game going on in heaven right now! With plenty of adult beverages!😄
    MayGod hold you in his Hands through out this trying time.
    Carolyn and family

  33. Our sympathies go out to the Duane Lynch family. He was a sincere gentleman. May you find comfort and peace in this difficult time.

  34. Pat and Family my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Duane was a very special guy and always had a smile and hello for everyone.I,m sure he will be missed by everyone, Marian.

  35. Pat and Family, my deepest sympathies on losing Duane. Such a great guy, always asking how others are doing. He was one of the first guys I started working with, and the last couple years always asked how myself and my family were doing. He had a genuine heart for others. May you remember this and all your memories of him, and know that he is watching over the entire family he loved.

  36. So sorry for your sudden loss Duane was always a great patient in therapy will miss him much and my dad Bud says he will miss his carpool buddy (oliver).

  37. Gene /Donna Ritchmond
    So many memories come to mind when thinking back about Duane and I dating neighbor girls during high school and being the best of friends.
    Pat, we extend our greatest Sympathy.

  38. Pat and Family,
    What an unbelievable loss we are all grieving. We will certainly keep Doggie’s spirit alive here on Earth, but he will be sorely missed. Cheers to a life well-lived!

  39. We bless the entire Lynch family and are so sad for the loss of our dear friend Duane .We will miss him so much as will everyone that new him.RIP sweet man.

  40. We send our deepest sympathy to Pat and the entire Lynch family. Duane was a loyal, kind, caring & funny man. We feel honored to have known him. We will especially cherish the month we spent with him in Texas. Hugs to all of you. We will miss him. Dan & Diane

  41. Pat, you and Duane are so special to us! We send our most sincere condolences to
    You and your family! Duane will be missed but never forgotten ❤️. Love you, Kevin and Gerry Moore

  42. Pat and family, you have our deepest sympathy. Duane was one of a kind. I always loved talking to him. He will be missed.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle