Duane McFadden

Duane C. McFadden, 78, of Urbandale, Iowa, formerly of Marne and Atlantic, died Monday, October 22, 2018, at his home.

Duane was born on August 27, 1940, in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of Claude and Pauline (Laartz) McFadden. He graduated from Atlantic High School in 1958, and began pursuing his Bachelor Degree in Animal Science at Iowa State University. While in college, he returned home every weekend to help with needs on the farm and assist his brother establish what later became McFadden Brothers. On November 11, 1962, he graduated from ISU, and in the months to follow joined the Iowa Army National Guard, earning the rank of Sergeant with the Company B, 168th Infantry Battalion.

On March 5, 1966, he was united in marriage to Karen Saemisch at the Atlantic Gospel Chapel. The couple made their home and started their family in Brighton Township, 2½ miles east of Marne, in what was said to be the coldest house in Cass County. During this time, he and his brother continued working hard alongside each other to institute, McFadden Brothers. In 1972, when Dennis died in a farming accident, Duane continued farming until 1980, when he began selling seed for Rob-See-Co Seed Company. He later sold implements at Faga Equipment in Adair and McCunn Equipment in Massena, and in 1988, he started his 20-year career at Lindeman Tractor in Atlantic, retiring in 2010. Always a hard worker and on the go, a gentle nudge from a friend led to him serving as a Cass County District 1 Supervisor from 2005-2016. During his time in office he served as President and was active with CADCO, local food policy council, Golden Hills Rural Conservation and Development in Oakland, and the Cass County Landfill. While serving on Golden Hills he attended national meetings in Savannah, Georgia and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Always giving of his time he was active with the local Lions Club.

Duane and Karen enjoyed, whether with friends or the kids, a trip to Hawaii, bus trips to Branson, and attending the Rose Bowl. For the couple’s 25th wedding anniversary they enjoyed a family ski trip to Colorado and for their 50th wedding anniversary a family dinner at Bravo in Des Moines. In 2013, Duane and Karen moved to Urbandale to be closer to their children’s families; a decision they were always glad they made. Together, they attended almost every athletic and music event of their grandchildren over the last 5 years. Duane’s mild-mannered ways held a great part in the special bond he shared with each of his grandchildren. He was a regular attender at Sunnyside Bible Chapel in Atlantic and later Creekside Church in Urbandale. Duane gave ore than 15 gallons of blood over the years with the American Red Cross. He was past president of the Cass County Fair Board; being active even before his kids were old enough to take part in the fair. Fair season was always a busy, yet exciting time for the family as they had entries with cows, hogs and sheep. Duane will be remembered by his family as hardworking, a good provider, and a man who handled all that was thrown his way with integrity and honesty.

Duane is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Tom (Greta) McFadden of Mingo, Michelle (David) Cook of Urbandale, and James (Valarie) McFadden of West Des Moines; grandchildren, Tanner (Shyanne) Cooley of Junction City, KS, Austin (Erin Doonan) McFadden of Colfax, Archer and Aiden McFadden of Mingo, Charles, Nora and Neva Cook of Urbandale, and Carter, Chase and Claire McFadden of West Des Moines; sister, Cheryl (Larry) Kinen of Papillion NE; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Juda Saemisch of Perry; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Pauline McFadden; brother, Dennis McFadden; mother and father-in-law, Lawrence and Eleanor Saemisch; and a niece, Claudette Kinen.

Visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Saturday, October 27th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, October 28th, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. Burial will take place in the Noble Center Cemetery, near Lyman, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to the Cass County Fair.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Duane’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

IN REMEMBRANCE

Duane McFadden

BORN
August 27, 1940 - Atlantic, Iowa

DIED
October 22, 2018 - Urbandale, Iowa
At the age of 78 years, 1 month and 25 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
2:30 p.m., Sunday, October 28, 2018
Roland Funeral Home - Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Pastor Steve Smith - Creekside Church, Urbandale, Iowa

ORGANIST
Jan Highfill

SOLOIST
Pastor Keith Menter - Elk Horn Lutheran Church

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Beneath the Cross of Jesus”
“No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus”
“I’d Rather Have Jesus” recorded by George Beverly Shea

CASKET BEARERS
Tanner Cooley
Austin McFadden
Archer McFadden
Aiden McFadden
Charles Cook
Devin Moeller

FLOWER COMMITTEE
Jerry and Sharol Andersen
Karen Oathoudt
Sam and Linda Metheny
Bev Kleen

INTERMENT
Noble Center Cemetery - Lyman, Iowa
Mike Eells - Atlantic Gospel Chapel
“Victory In Jesus”

The family invites you to join them immediately following
the service for lunch at the Cass County Community Center.

Memorials may be given for the Cass County Fair.