Obituary of Robert Duncan

Robert Jay Duncan was born on September 22, 1931, to Jay and Agnes (Kaiser) Duncan in rural Sutherland, Iowa. Robert grew up on a farm near Sutherland and attended country school until they moved to a farm near Hartley, where he attended high school. Later he returned to Sutherland to work as a mechanic at an auto dealership before entering the service. Robert proudly served his country in the armed forces. He was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. Following his discharge he returned to Sutherland to work as a mechanic at the auto dealership. Shortly after, Robert and his father began their own auto and implement repair, but his love for the farm was ever present. When the opportunity arose for him to farm, he readily accepted it. Along with farming Robert chose to continue working as a tractor mechanic at an implement dealership in Melvin, as well as a feed mill operator in Sutherland. On July 2, 1954, Robert married Shirley Mohror of Peterson, Iowa. The couple lived and farmed north of Peterson for several years. They moved and farmed in the Everly, Hartley, and Sutherland areas. They were the parents of five children: Deborah (Steve) Rohrbaugh, Richard (Karen) Duncan, David (Peggy) Duncan all of Hartley, Diana (Gary) Halder of Spirit Lake, Darrel (Gina) Duncan of Hartley. Robert is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; two sisters: Ethel Hyde of Spencer, IA and Esther Jalas of Sutherland, IA; several nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Robert enjoyed watching the children grow up. They camped together as frequently as possible. He and Shirley took winter vacations to South Texas when his health would allow. Bob was also a skilled woodworker, making many projects to share with his family. Robert passed away November 7, 2009, after a valiant battle against cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Alice Maurer; a granddaughter, Mindy Nichols, and mother and father in law, Zelma and Elmer Mohror. A Celebration of Life Robert Jay Duncan Born ~ September 22, 1931 Died ~ November 7, 2009 Age ~ 78 years 2 months 5 days Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2009 United Methodist Church Hartley, Iowa Clergy ~ Rev. Steve Campbell Organist ~ Deb Bleeker Soloist ~ Rev. Michael Hyde Special Music ~ “One Day At A Time” “The Anchor Holds” Processional ~ “Hymn of Promise” Recessional ~ “That’s What Faith Can Do” Pallbearers Robert Nichols Daniel Duncan Kevin Duncan Jeffrey Duncan Brian Duncan Ryan Halder Honorary Pallbearers Jennifer Halder Shana Duncan Jessica Duncan Nichole Duncan Brittany Duncan Ushers Ron Sterk Don Harson Interment Pleasant View Cemetery Hartley, Iowa