Duane L. Ibsgaard was born May 23, 1933 near Oto, Iowa to Anker and Beulah (Slentz) Ibsgaard. He graduated from Mapleton High School in 1950 and subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a personnel specialist and member of the color guard while stationed in Fort Bragg during the Korean Conflict.
On November 27, 1954, Duane married Florence A. Grothe to which he had three children. He worked as a mechanic for several years and also ran the Smithland Gas Station. In 1974, Duane joined the Iowa DOT, residing in Sibley, IA until his retirement in 1998. Duane and Florence relocated to Casa Grande, AZ until moving back to Mapleton in 2012 to be closer to family.
Duane was an avid mechanic throughout his life, loved to travel and fuss with computers and electronic gadgets. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His family will miss Duane’s candor, orneriness, generosity and humor. While in Mapleton, Duane was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was also a long time member of American Legion post in Ashton, IA.
Duane is survived by his wife Florence, his son Timothy Ibsgaard and his wife Holly of Temple, OK, his daughter Sherry and her husband Jim Hegg of Omaha, NE, and seven grandchildren: Stacie (Todd) Anderson of Le Mars, IA; Stephanie (Bill) Vaul and Joshua (Amanda) Menin of Sioux City, IA; Justin (Deb) Hegg of Omaha, NE; Amanda Hegg of Bellevue, NE; and David and Jimmy Bradshaw of Oklahoma City, OK. In addition, Duane is survived by nine great grandchildren, his brother Bob Ibsgaard of Sioux City, IA, three sisters: Donna (John) Hall of St. Paul, MN; Betty (Gary) Castle of Mapleton, IA; and Joan Sawyer of Whiting, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest daughter Michelle Menin and a great grandson Miles Vaul.
Duane entered into eternal rest on Monday, March 31, 2014 at his residence in Mapleton, Iowa at the age of 80. Duane donated his body to science.