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Duane passed September 5, 1991 due to cancer. He had worked for Paxton Vierling Steel in Carter Lake for 17 years. Survivors included his wife Mary of Underwood; one son, Joshua Justesen, stepdaughter Tina Collins and stepson Jay Collins. four brothers, David, Dale, daniel and Darrell and parents, Lawrence and Darlene Justesen.
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Kris (Kristel) Endrulat (Mayberry)
Don't know why or how I heard about Duane's passing, but I was able to attend his memorial services. He had attracted stomach cancer, was really sick for two weeks TWO WEEKS and was gone. Hadn't been in touch with him or the small group of friends that hung together for a very short time during the '69-'70 school year - our eighth grade. It was Duane, Butch (Kenny) Nelson, Ron Burkhardt, Marilyn Frohardt and myself - it was my new found 'country kids' peer group that had profound impact on my 'coming of age' story. Duane came from an 'all boys' family and I was so very prissy girly I made my ownself cry of disgust. The Justensen farm was just on the outside of city limits, not sure how much of it was intact as many of the long time land owners in that neck of the woods were dealing with breaking up their parcels for development mostly the newly constructed I-80 and Iowa Western Community College. It must have been spring, as the weather contained that brilliance that comes with that first breath of fresh air after holing up in the cave for the past season - I am thinking perhaps May, since the daylight hours were longer - I would have ridden the bus home with Marilyn as all of us were 2 - 3 years away from legally driving....
So Marilyn and I RIDE OUR BICYCLES about two miles north of her place on a gravel road to get to Duane's. Duane's buddies are loaded on a what I have since decided was a BUICK chassis - just rims, wheels, floor board, seats, steering wheel and engine.... without a doubt the coolest 'toy' I had ever seen. We all load up on this American made 'farm buggy' and take a tour around the farm with Duane driving! The thrill of naughtiness (it was obviously DANGEROUS!) was transforming! We decided to drive over to Burkhardt's barn, as they had some home brew stashed in the hayloft and he knew right where to find it..... YES SIRREE BOB - we were all for one and one for all. This home brew beer was something special, and I knew it then as I know it now - it was bottled in a stoneware jug with a cork on it. and it was the most glorious color of amber topped with the creamiest head I've yet to behold. Next thing ya know - we're all rolling in the hay - laughing. Laughing and loving. Loving life we were. and we all knew how special that afternoon was...
Doug Goodman
Duane was a very close friend of mine growing up. I remember riding my bike to his house after grade school and running around just being boys. I also remember the rides in the "buggy". Without a doubt one of my favorite memories as a child. His parents still live in the same house. The city has developed around this area but for the most part the family farm has not changed. Doug Goodman
Terry Cooper
Kris and Doug,
I was not close to Duane, but remember hearing of his passing--so early!--and remembering the sense of his quiet soul, even as a young man.
Thank you for the "buggy" story...Dale and Michelle Justesen are members at Southview and it will be a hoot to share with the family: I will try to protect the innocent (and guilty) regarding the underage boozing! Thanks again, guy and gal!
Coop