Duane Harmon Mcdonald

Duane Harmon McDonald, 73, died March 18, 2024 at Pinnacle Specialty Care in Cedar Falls, Iowa from complications of Parkinson's Disease.

He was born January 15, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents Wanda Lanile Franks McDonald and Gordon Vasco McDonald. Duane graduated from Raytown High School in Kansas City, Missouri, earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City and his master's degree from the University of Missouri Columbia. Duane served in the United States Army Reserve (Ready) from 1971 to 1977.  He moved to Davenport, Iowa for work and later to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he was employed by Riverview Park as Conference Director and then the University of Northern Iowa as Director of Conferences and Visitor Services for many years. Duane married Sandra E. Baker in June 1975. They raised three children together and were later divorced. Duane married Julie A. Hook in August 2010.

Duane enjoyed watching sports - especially Mizzou, Kansas City Chiefs and Royals - playing golf and traveling. He loved music and was active in the Cedar Falls Community Theatre, performing on stage and providing support behind the scenes.

Duane is survived by his wife Julie; three children: Molly Kahler (Shane) of Parkersburg, Iowa, Corey "Baker" McDonald (Jeff) of Cedar Falls, and Katy Davis of Janesville, Iowa; five grandchildren; a brother, Marlan McDonald, of Blue Springs, Missouri, and best friend John Luzaich of Cedar Falls. Duane was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Myron McDonald.

Duane chose to be cremated. Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof in Cedar Falls is handling the arrangements. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, April 14, at 2:00 p.m. in the Deery Room (3rd floor) at the Cedar Falls Community Theatre (CFCT), 103 Main Street in Cedar Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to CFCT ( https://www.mycfct.org/donate ).  Special thanks to Pinnacle Specialty Care staff and the hospice team.