Duane Hamann

Duane Hamann was born in Sioux City, Iowa to Harold and Maxine (Downing) Hamann on July 8, 1944. He spent his childhood years growing up in rural Oto and Mapleton.

He passed away peacefully October 7, 2025 surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy rooted in hard work, devotion, and the simple joys of life.

A Celebration of Duane’s life will be held 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Mapleton, Iowa with Reverend Nathan Peitsch, officiating. A live stream of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Duane’s obituary. A luncheon and fellowship will follow the service at the church. Burial will be held in the Little Sioux Township Cemetery, Smithland, Iowa. A visitation will be 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Monday, October 13, 2025 with a 7:30 P.M. prayer service at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Mapleton, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Duane is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn (Waderich) Hamann of Smithland, Iowa, with whom he shared almost 62 years of love and partnership.  Together they raised four children: Tracy Koett (Brian) of Lago Vista, Texas, Kim Whitton (Phil) of Bastrop, Texas, Shawn Hamann (Brenda) of Rodney, Iowa and Jerri Haindfield (Ryan) of St. Paul, Minnesota.  His pride and joy extended to his grandchildren, who brought him endless smiles and stories, Cory Ping, Taylor Koett, Laura Saucedo (Ben), Phillip Whitton, Christopher Whitton (Leslie) of Texas, Katelynn Goodvin, Samantha Engle (Lee), Brittany Sanchez (Sammy), Troy Hamann (Shay Reetz), Amy Oleson (Thomas), Kerensa Hamann of Iowa, and Connor Haindfield and Lucas Haindfield of Minnesota, as well as 14 great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1962. He was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, where he remained a devoted member throughout his life.  He served the church faithfully - as Elder, Director of the Preschool Board, and Vice President. He dedicated over 20 years as a Sunday School Teacher and Chairman of the Board of Education, shaping the spiritual and academic growth of countless young lives.  He found comfort and purpose in worship and fellowship, and he generously shared his time and talents with the church community.  Duane’s commitment reflected his values of service and devotion. 

He also served as a Boy Scout leader for several years, guiding boys through winter camping trips and helping them earn their merit badges with patience and enthusiasm.

Duane built a career operating heavy equipment, a trade that reflected his strength, precision, and dedication.  He also earned a degree in Park and Golf Course Land Management from Western Iowa Tech.  After graduating with honors, he began Duane's Landscaping and Lawn Care which he operated for many years out of Smithland, Iowa.  Later, he cultivated epic vegetable gardens that were the envy of neighbors and the delight of family and friends.

Whether in the seat of a bulldozer or tending rows of tomatoes, Duane lived with quiet integrity and a deep love for his family.  He will be remembered for his steady presence and his green thumb.  Duane had a gift for nicknames, each one a playful badge of affection. And fittingly, he earned his own nickname too: Oscar.  It was given with love and worn with pride, a nod to his occasional grumbles and the laughter they inspired.  His names stuck because they came from a place of deep connection and became part of the stories we'll tell for years to come.  Duane's love extended beyond his family to his spoiled Pekingese, Bandit, who was never far from his side.  Whether riding shotgun or ruling the house with a bark, Bandit was Duane's loyal companion and comic relief.  Their bond was unmistakable - proof that even the gruffest "Oscar" had a soft spot for a little dog with a big attitude.

His roots ran deep - in the soil he tended, and in the hearts of those he loved.  In his final act of service, Duane donated tissue to the University of Nebraska Medical Center to support pancreatic cancer research – continuing his lifelong dedication to helping others and advancing hope for future generations.

Reunited now with those he loved and missed, he was preceded in death by his parents, many aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as his beloved Dusty Dog.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com​​

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