Duane Gideon

Duane Gideon, 93 and the son of Ernest and Frieda Gideon, died peacefully at Kavanagh Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa on Sunday May 25, 2025.

Duane was born in Somerset, Iowa but spent most of his life on the south side of Des Moines. He graduated from Lincoln high school and working and managing at all levels of production for Lennox Industries for 50 years.

Duane enjoyed sports, fishing/hunting and was a big Iowa Hawkeye fan. He became highly accomplished in woodworking, leading into retirement, and made numerous art works and a significant collection of various pieces of furniture. He may not have been the fastest woodworker but his attention to detail and quality was exceptional.

Duane did not pursue a formal education but if you gave him a problem and left him alone there was very little that he would not solve. He received numerous awards from Lennox for modifications and innovations.

Above all, Duane was simply a genuinely kind person. His deep relationship with God played a meaningful role in shaping that. He truly was one of the finest people you could have met on this planet and there are no words to express how much he will be missed.

Duane was survived by the love of his life and wife of over 73 years, Shirley, and his son Craig (Brenda) and his partner(girlfriend) (Brenda); his nieces and nephews Susan (Roger) Lein, Mike (Debbie) Sweeny, Mathew (Vanessa) Lein, Sue (Chip) Gardner, Rick Gideon, Allen (Debbie) Gideon, and Patricia (Jerry) Richardson. His brothers, Dale and Leslie, preceded Duane in death. He was devoted to his family and would do anything for any of them.

Duane will be laid to rest among family in a private ceremony at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

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