Duane Arnold Harmelink

     Duane Arnold Harmelink, the son of Charlie and Gert (Van Iperen) Harmelink was born March 30, 1934 in Ashton, Iowa. He grew up and resided in the Ashton-Melvin area until he married Thelma Elaine (Nieuwendorp) Harmelink on July 20, 1954. They made their home in the Ashton-Sheldon area until 1972 when they moved to Spencer where they spent the remainder of their life.

     Duane worked much of his adult life as a mechanic.  When everyone else retired, Duane continued working for the Spencer Rendering Plant driving truck, maintaining the vehicles and maintaining the plant. Duane always enjoyed working.

     Duane passed away at his home in Spencer on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at the age of 86 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Thelma (1996); and a son, Jay “Corky” Harmelink (2010). Due to COVID-19, the family is having a private funeral and graveside service.

     He is survived by a son Jan L. Harmelink and his children, Matthew Harmelink, Eustacia Kawczynski, and Stephanie Rackus; a son, Todd J. Harmelink and his wife Nichole and a son Dakota Haack; a daughter, Crystal L. Usher and her two children Gregory Usher and Maureen Usher; and Jay’s children, Jayme Currans and Joshua Harmelink.  He is survived by 15 great grandchildren and a wonderful woman he still called his daughter in law, Julie Dwyer, as well. Finally, Duane has been a friend of Bill W. for many years.

     His family will deeply miss his sarcastic sense of humor and practical jokes. Each child can fondly recite a tall tale he convinced them to believe or the time they watched him convince someone else. They will miss the witticisms that even now they find they repeat to their own children.

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