A. Duane Babcock

A. Duane Babcock, 91, of Eldora, IA passed away suddenly on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Unity Point (Allen) hospital in Waterloo from a brain hemorrhage. Full military rites will be given. The family will hold services at 10:30 a.m. on Friday the 26th of July 2024 at the Steamboat Rock Presbyterian Church in Steamboat Rock, IA; with visitation 1 hr. prior to the service. Lunch will be served following the service. With honor, Adams Celebration of Life is serving the family & has an online guest book for those who can’t attend.

Duane (Duke) was born November 12, 1932, in Eldora, IA; son of Merton & Vanessa (Lamprecht) Babcock. He graduated from Eldora, class of 1950. On July 22, 1950, he enlisted in the Navy completing courses in Airman School in Tennessee & Aviation Boatswain Mate in Pennsylvania. He was assigned to the USS Corregidor CVE 58 Aircraft Carrier. He was honorably discharged from the Korean War with the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer on November 4, 1953, in New York. On November 24, 1954, he married Leola Paterni of Wellsburg at the Wellsburg Reformed Church. To this union, they were blessed with 4 sons & 1 daughter. November 24 of this year would have been their 70th wedding anniversary.

Duane was actively involved in the businesses of farming & construction. He milked many a cow in the barn that is now on the Hardin County Farm Museum site & was also a Charter Member in establishing it. He was active in the Steamboat Rock Presbyterian Church. He was a part of a team of leaders in the Youth Fellowship & enjoyed taking carloads of kids to youth church camps. He was a Trustee of the church, serving two 6-year terms.

Duane was a Charter Member of the Eldora Cub Scouts & later was active again serving as a Webelos & Boy Scout leader in Steamboat Rock.

Duane & his wife; Leola, along with another couple from Hardin Co., established the Grundy/Hardin Dairy Promotors. He was also a member of the Hardin Co. Historical Society & served 11 years on the Hardin Co. Pioneer cemetery commission. He & his wife enjoyed their travels & winters in Arizona.

Duane is survived by his wife - Leola; children - Craig (Diana) Babcock; Terry (Diane) Babcock; Kevin (Cindy) Babcock; Brenda (Alvin) Robison; and Jason (Christine) Babcock. He had 11 grandchildren & 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Donna Smith of Arizona & many nieces, nephews & friends.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents & grandparents, along with his brother & sister-in-law, Mervon & Dorothea Babcock; sister & brother-in-law, Elma (Curly) & Don Cunningham; sister & brother-in-law, Connie & Ed Barnard; brother-in-law Jack Smith; grandson Colby Viergets; great-granddaughter Claire Meyer; nephew Michael Smith; sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Doris & Gary Parker; nephew Michael Parker & niece Connie Wray.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to his family for a fitting tribute to be decided later. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.adamscelebrationoflife.com.