Obituaries : Duane John Yung

Duane John Yung, 84, of Toledo and formerly of Clutier, passed away Friday, February 9, 2024 at Unity Point Health-Marshalltown. A Mass of Christian burial was on held Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama. Interment will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in rural Clutier. Visitation will be held Friday, February 16, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.

Duane was born on April 3, 1939, in rural Dysart, Iowa, the son of Ernest and Ella (Mauderer) Yung.

He graduated from Dysart High School in 1957 and went on to support his community by helping friends, neighbors, and businesses doing odd jobs and making lifelong friends along the way.

In 1960, he was united in marriage to Sharon Hartgraves. They farmed in the Dysart area. To this union were born three children, Scott, Kevin, and Lori. Soon after he learned a new trade working with floor covering. His interests at that time included the Dysart Jaycees, The Yankee Riders Saddle Club and he was active in the annual Pony Express ride for crippled children.

In 1971, he purchased a farm west of Clutier, where in addition to farming, he started his own business in the flooring industry. He left the Clutier area continuing floor covering mainly in Cedar Rapids and Marion areas.

He and his wife Sharon were later divorced. In 1992, he was united in marriage to Ila Jean Linhart Merkel. They made their home west of Clutier on the Linhart Century Farm. Together they enjoyed antiquing, dancing, playing cards, gardening, and sharing his harvest with others.

In 2007, after a knee surgery, he left the flooring business and began woodworking projects with hardwoods from the homestead-hickory, walnut, and oak, crafting his own designs making beautiful benches, cutting boards, keepsake boxes and more. Yearly he became enthusiastic about digging horseradish roots and making jars of the hot condiment to give to friends and relatives.

As the gentle sole he was, Duane took great delight in teasing youngsters to make them laugh. He looked forward to family visits, doing projects with the grandchildren, and always found time to visit and share a laugh with his many friends.

Survivors include his wife, Ila Jean Yung of Toledo; children, Scott (Susan) Yung of Cedar Rapids, Kevin (Marggie) of Marion, and Lori (Mark) Christy of Vinton; stepchildren, Judy (Kevin) Soule of Sussex, WI, Jacqueline Martini of Ocean View, DE, and Anne M. Lang of Fairfax, VA; grandchildren, Austin (Carlin) Yung, Amber (Austin) Pape, Dylan Christy, and Kallea Christy; step-grandchildren, Drew, Bryce and Delaney Soule, Kyle (Abbie) Kessler, Kenan (Alexandra) Kessler, Gary (Helen) Lang, Christopher and Michael Lang, and Kristy (Taylor) Fitzsimmons; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Shirlene Houdeshell of Marion.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Sharon; brothers-in-law, Ray Houdeshell, Wes Linhart, and Richard Linhart; and stepdaughter, Regina Merkel.

A memorial fund will be established.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.