Duane Francis Chamberlain
December 20, 1954-August 2, 2024
Duane Francis Chamberlain was born on December 20, 1954, to Irvin C. and Agnes M. (Petsche) Chamberlain in Harlan, Iowa. He received his elementary education at St. Mary’s School of Panama/Portsmouth, Iowa, and attended Harlan High School, where he graduated with the class of 1973. He then attended college at the University of Iowa, where his love for Hawkeye football (etc.) bloomed! He graduated with a business degree in 1978, and began working at the John Day Company for the next 38 years. He started out in the warehouse and city sales, to buyer, Purchasing Supervisor, Purchasing Manager, Inside Sales Manager, and ultimately Senior Vice President/COO. He developed so many close friendships there over those years.
Duane loved sports, music (especially Bruce Springsteen), gardening and hosting parties. Kathy loved traveling, music (especially Bruce Springsteen), gardening and hosting parties. They met at the Safari Bar & Lounge at an after-work party on February 1, 1988, and the rest is history! They were married on August 26, 1989, at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Together they attended numerous concerts, grew bountiful vegetable and flower gardens, cooked elaborate dishes, and hosted annual Christmas parties (in December with Duane’s smoked chicken and in July with his BBQ beef).
It did not take long for Duane to appreciate the joy of new experiences and adventures while traveling abroad (and trying to recreate some of the best meals upon returning home). Both Duane and Kathy retired in 2016 and were so thankful that they had not waited to see the world, since you never know what tomorrow may bring.
After battling Pancreatic Cancer for four years, Duane died on August 2, 2024, at home with his loving wife of nearly 35 years by his side, attaining the age of 69 years, 7 months and 13 days.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Agnes Chamberlain; sister, Grace Gaul; brother, Ron Chamberlain; brother-in-law, Glen Lord; and by his brother-in-law, Garry Gaul.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy McCarthy-Chamberlain of Omaha, Nebraska; brother, Reverend Robert Chamberlain of Des Moines, Iowa; sister, Betty Lord (Dick) Dinan of Elkader, Iowa; twin siblings, Al (Paula) Chamberlain and Alice (“Peach”) Chamberlain both of Omaha, Nebraska; twin sibling, Jane Chamberlain (Dave) Olsasky of Des Moines, Iowa; sister, Diane (Dave) Kleffman of Glenwood, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him and will miss his quick wit and wonderful laugh.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials are kindly suggested to Catholic Charities of Omaha, Spirit Catholic Radio, or Family wishes.
VISITATION: Wednesday, August 7th, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., with VIGIL SERVICE: 7l00 p.m., West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, August 8th, 10:30 a.m., St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Thursday, August 8th, at 3:00 p.m., Panama, IA.
To view a Broadcast of the Vigil and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “LiveCast” button at the top of the homepage.
7 Comments
Sending our deepest sympathies to Kathy and family. Duane was one heck of a cousin and friend. We will miss him dearly.
My friend since 1964. The memories are flooding my mind! Duane is gone but I will never forget him! We had a lot of fun over the years! My sincere condolences to Kathy and family!
I was a classmate of Duane’s in the Harlan Community High School’s Class of 1973. His sister Jane was also in our class. Too many of our group have left us too soon. My condolences to his family.
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about Duane’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending my love and prayers to the Chamberlain family.
So sorry to hear about Duane. We had a lot of fun in our younger years working together at John Day. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.
Dear Kathy, dear Family of Duane! May God’s loving arms wrap around you and bring you comfort in your sorrow.
Sign Guestbook