Obituaries : Mahlon "Duane" Christian

Mahlon "Duane" Christian, 84, from Vinton, formerly of Dysart, died on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at his home.

He was born February 4, 1941, in La Porte City, the son of Francis and Burnetta Christian.

Growing up on the family farm outside of La Porte City he was very busy helping on the farm and active in high school sports.

On August 28th, 1959, he married the love of his life Dixie Glasener, also from La Porte City. They resided in LPC while Duane worked at John Deere before buying their acreage north of Dysart. At 41 years of age, he carried on the purebred Duroc hog family tradition and started his own herd.

Duane retired from John Deere in December 2001, after 42 years of service. He then went on contract with them for several years following his retirement. He was an avid golfer, bowler, slow pitch softball player, neighborhood pickup basketball coordinator and the biggest cheerleader at his kids and grandkids events.

In recent years, they have spent the winter months in their Florida condo and have enjoyed entertaining their family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Lauren and Dean, and son-in-law, Scott Powell.

Duane is survived by his wife, Dixie of 66 years, three daughters, Kimberly Strang of Sarasota, Florida, Karla (Andy) Elliot of Littleton, Colorado and Kristina Powell of La Porte City, Iowa, nine grandchildren, Ryan Strang, Brittany Peterson, Allex Ryken, Conner, Karlee and Kallin Elliot, Kylie Crees, Wesley Powell and Courtney Entriken, eight great-grandchildren, a brother, Al Christian of Ames, Iowa and a sister, Marcena (Don) Ver Ploeg of Pittsford, New York.

In Duane's honor, a memorial service will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 11:00 am, at the Geneseo Methodist Church, 3127 115th St., Buckingham.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Arrangements: Overton Funeral Homes, 707 Clark St., Dysart, Iowa, 52224. 319-476-7355. Condolences may be left at www.overtonfuneralservices.com