Per the wishes of Duane and his family, cremation rites have been accorded. A private graveside service will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Duane and his family. For questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Born September 25, 1928 in Dows, Iowa, he was the only son of Charles “Chuck” and Freda (Larson) Brinkman. While attending school in Clarion, he met the love of his life, June “Elaine” Dahlgren. They were united in marriage on May 18, 1946 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Together, they were blessed with two beautiful daughters and made their home in Clarion. Duane was ambitious and always on the go. He owned many businesses over his lifetime, including several dealerships. His passion was buying and selling things, making him an excellent auto dealer. Duane was also active in farming and a skilled aircraft hobby pilot. He loved cars, watching Westerns, fishing and boating. Duane was a snow bird and especially enjoyed his travels to The Villages, Florida and Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Though he rarely slowed down, he always made time for his family.

Those left to cherish his memory are his two daughters: Linda (Bill) Casady of Marshalltown and Diana Kalkbrenner of Peoria, Illinois; five grandchildren: Todd (Cheri’) Casady, Ryan (Michelle) Casady, Keely (Garrett) Hrncir, Amy (Andy) Melton and Chad Kalkbrenner; and eleven great-grandchildren: Tyler (Mahala) Casady, Nathan Casady (Macy Landt), Madalyn Casady, Joshua Casady, Katelyn Casady, Casady Hrncir, Kennady Hrncir, Chloe Melton, Carson Melton, Alexis Kalkbrenner and Ava Kalkbrenner.

In death, Duane is reunited with his beloved wife, Elaine; his parents, Chuck and Freda and several aunts and uncles.