DUANE NELSON COOK parked his pickup, took off his boots and went Home to rest on September 20, 2024. He was 87 years old.

Duane was the eldest child of Lester and Alice (Nelson) Cook born March 17, 1937, in Des Moines, Iowa. He lived the majority of his life on the family farm, one mile south of Cambridge, Iowa.

Duane attended Cambridge school and graduated 7th in his class from Cambridge High School in 1955. After graduating, he began working road construction as a heavy equipment operator and helping on the farm on weekends.

In May of 1961, Duane spotted a beautiful young woman, "one of those Thompson girls" at Lough's Market in Cambridge. On August 18, Duane gave the "Thompson girl" an engagement ring and on October 14, 1961, Duane was united in marriage to Donna Jean Thompson.

Duane served in the Air National Guard and was called up in November 1961 by the United States Air Force to serve in the Air Force Reserves through the Cuban Missile Crisis.

After Duane's military service, the couple returned to Cambridge where they made their home and began their family. To their union was born three daughters, Virginia, Cora and Cindy.

He loved the family farm (a heritage farm) as much as he loved his family. He was well known throughout the community as he never knew a stranger. His sense of humor and pranks were enjoyed by all, especially close family members.

Up until his final hours, when asked how he was, he would respond, "Fabulous!"

Duane is survived by his wife: Donna Cook of Cambridge, Iowa; two daughters: Virginia Cook (Dave Kirchner) of Dillon, Montana, Cora (Bret) Flickinger of Garrison, Iowa; four grandchildren: Brent (Jenni), Garrett (Erica), Devon (Lucia), Aidan; and four great-grandchildren: Briggs, Brighton, Bond, and Henry; five sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews

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Duane was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Cindy; his great-grandson Banks; his sisters Janis Hennick and Judy Patterson.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 25th at the Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Maxwell, Iowa.

Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Thursday, September 26th at the Cambridge United Methodist Church.

Interment will be in the Cambridge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Cambridge Fire Department, Cambridge First Responders or Cambridge Dorcas Society.

The Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Maxwell is in charge of arrangements.