Duane A. Nielsen

ROCK FALLS – Duane A. Nielsen, 95, originally of Rock Falls, died Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at Genesis Health Group in DeWitt, Iowa. He previously was in assisted living in Davenport, Iowa.

Duane was born April 1, 1922, in New Sterling, Jackson County, Iowa, the son of Nels C. and Grace L. (Bristol) Nielsen. After graduation in 1941 from Clinton High School, he was employed by Climax Engineering for 10 years. He married Ruby Ryan in 1943. A son, Terry Lee, was born from that marriage. Duane later married Jacqueline McDermott on Dec. 17, 1955, who passed away Dec. 2, 1998. Jacqueline had a daughter, Shirley, whom Duane adopted. On Jan. 29, 2000, he married Marjorie Stewart in Rock Falls. She passed away on Nov. 18, 2017.

Duane was a World War II Marine Corps veteran, with service in China during the war. He was a Clinton, Iowa, policeman from November 1950 to his retirement in February 1978. He retired as detective sergeant. Duane was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting and golf. He also was on a bowling league for many years. He was very active in Rock Falls American Legion Post 902 for 17 years, and was elected commander of the 2nd Division in 2010. He also was finance officer for 4 years, Honor Guard at military funerals, and was instrumental in building the American flag disposal container at the Legion. He also was very active in Kiwanis Club as past president, and at Salvation Army. He was devoted to these organizations and served them well.

He is survived by a son, Terry, of Pensacola, Florida; a daughter, Shirley (Russell) Rockwell of Clinton, Iowa; and a stepson, Ronald (Merry) Stewart of Davenport, Iowa. He also is survived by six grandchildren, Pamela Skelton, Wendy (Greg) Lind, Lara (Eric) Hodnett, Dallas Nielsen, Terry Nielsen II, and Douglas Bromley; 10 stepgrandchildren, Steven, Robert, and Michael Colombe, Bill and Laurie Bromley, John and Jason Stewart, Marsha (John) Shambalin, Michelle Stewart, and Lisa (Todd) Peery; 27 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Nola Nielsen of Darien.

Duane also was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Chesley Nielsen; one sister, Bonnie (John) Rochford; one grandson, Wayne Bromley; and one stepson, Larry (Donna) Stewart.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, and the funeral at 11 a.m. Thursday at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 501 Eighth Ave., Rock Falls, with the Rev. Bree Truax officiating. A military ceremony will follow. Private burial will be at Clinton Lawn Cemetery in Clinton, Iowa. Lunch will be after the funeral at the church. McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls handled arrangements.

Memorials can be made in Duane’s memory to American Legion Post 902 at 712 Fourth Ave., Rock Falls and Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church.