Duane Lee Van Maanen was born to Henry and Everdena (Van De Kieft) Van Maanen on January 19, 1939, in Mahaska County. He attended various country schools and graduated from Pella Christian High School in 1956. Duane lived in the Pella area his entire life.

Duane met Janice Faye Rus in high school in 1957, and they were united in marriage on April 17, 1959. Duane always talked about what a wonderful cook she was and continued to use many of her recipes after she passed away. Together they were blessed with five children: Darla, Debra, David, Darcy, and Danece. Duane and Janice shared 39 years of marriage before her passing in 1996.

Duane worked for several carpenters before starting his own business, Van Maanen Homes Inc., in 1965. He built hundreds of homes in the Pella area and continued building into his retirement. He took great pride in his work and believed in doing things the best way possible. During slower building seasons, he worked at Pella Corporation and Central College, where he continued to put his carpentry skills to use.

On May 1, 1999, Duane married Mary (Van Rheenen / Van Wyk). Their relationship began with dinner at George's, usually enjoying a baked potato and salad. Mary owned a real estate office, and because Duane had earned his real estate license, they enjoyed selling real estate and building homes together for many years. They loved playing cards and traveling, especially to Branson, where they enjoyed attending the shows. They treasured the companionship of their beloved dogs, all named Mickey.

Duane was known to his grandchildren as "Grandpa Dewey." He was incredibly proud of each one of them and loved them dearly. Another of his nicknames was "Big D," and it always brought an ornery grin to his face whenever someone called him that.

Duane loved riding motorcycles, especially his Harley. He and Janice took many motorcycle trips together, enjoying the countryside and the adventures along the way. He also had a love for automobiles. Whenever someone was looking for a different vehicle, Duane was always eager to help them find just the right one, and if you drove up in a different vehicle he always asked about it. He was an avid NASCAR fan and loved to watch the races with a well-timed nap between the green and checkered flag.

Duane never met a stranger. He enjoyed multiple coffee times around town and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He was a faithful member of his church, serving as a deacon, elder, Cadet counselor, and member of the Building and Grounds Committee. One thing special about Duane, was if you stopped by his house, his Bible was always open on the kitchen table. Above all, Duane treasured spending time with his family.

Duane is survived by his wife, Mary, and his family is as follows:

Darla (deceased) and Dave Stibral (Tabor, SD)

Daniel (Anna) Stibral

Dawson, Adeline

Kimberly (Brian) Becker

Debra and Dale Hessing (Oskaloosa, IA)

Tricia (Kyle) Byker

Hailey, Levi, Hudson & Madison

Sarah (Joel) Bruxvoort

Abigail, Charlie, Jaron, Jace & Sadie

Michael Hessing

Josie

Daniel (Alisha) Hessing

Hazel, Noah, Graham, Holden & Shane

David and Beth Van Maanen (Pella, IA)

Matthew (Rachel) Van Maanen

Rowan, Dryson, Kennedy & Blakely

Mark (Haylie) Van Maanen

Ava, Nyah & Emry

Jordan (Moriah) Van Maanen

Jonas & Livia, baby due January 2027

Joel (Naomi) Van Maanen

Chloe & Tobias

Darcy and Greg Horstman (Pella, IA)

Krista (Joel) Koopmans

Ella, Alaina, Levi, Landon & Logan

Jenna (Brandon) Haagsma

Elizabeth & Addison, baby due February 2027

Andrea (David) Kacmarynski

Elijah

Bekah (Lucas) Warner

Danece and Lonnie De Zwarte (Pella, IA)

Bryce (Sara) De Zwarte

Anna

Lance (Karina) De Zwarte

Jade, Ada & Seth

Laura De Zwarte

Ross (Whitney) De Zwarte

Lane

Leasa and Mike Jansen (Pella, IA)

Alyssa (William III “Bill”) Nolte

Liam & Charlotte

Danielle Jansen

Zach (Malia) Jansen

Elizabeth

Sandra and Jake Fancher (Pella, IA)

Jack & Hattie

Russ and Amy Van Wyk (Pella, IA)

Meredith

Duane is also survived by his sisters, Marilyn Bokhoven of Pella and Karen (Mike) Jenkins of Pensacola, FL, and his sister-in-law, Joyce McKenzie and many nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Janice, and her parents, Pete and Dora Rus, as well as his brother-in-law, Kenneth Rus. Also preceding him in death were his daughter, Darla Stibral, brother, Jaron Van Maanen, a great-granddaughter, Nora Bruxvoort, parents-in-law, John and Mary Irene Van Rheenen, brothers-in-law, Bob Bokhoven, Irvin Van Rheenen, Henry Van Rheenen, and sister-in-law, Becky Pickens.

Duane will be missed by his family and friends.

Memorials may be given to Pella Christian Schools (specify which school on check) or Hospice of Pella.