Duane Baskins

Duane Milburn Baskins, 93, passed away Sunday, Dec. 10th in Johnston. Duane was born August 29th, 1930, in Cedar Falls, the son of Harold and Irma (Morgan) Baskins. His mother died saving him in a tragic house fire when he was only three years old. He grew up on a farm north of Cedar Falls. He graduated from Janesville High School in 1947 where he was involved in baseball, basketball, and the school newspaper. He worked at Rath Packing in Waterloo and Columbus Junction for more than 30 years in the accounting department. He served as office manager and plant controller at Rath in Columbus Junction. After retiring, he lived in Washington for many years. He served nine years in the Iowa National Guard rising to the rank of staff sergeant. Duane was an avid sports fan particularly following the University of Iowa, the New York Yankees (he always said it wasn’t an “official” World Series unless the Yankees were in it) and the Dallas Cowboys. Even on the day that he passed, Duane insisted on watching the University of Iowa women - and particularly Caitlin Clark - play on television. He also bemoaned a baseball player signing a contract the previous day for $700 million saying “No player is worth that much.” A highly successful bowler in his younger years, Duane ditched the alleys in favor of the fairways after moving to Columbus Junction and was a fixture at Cedarcrest County Club for nearly 40 years. He golfed almost daily during the summer months until he was 92. Through nearly all of his 80’s and early 90's, Duane played 27 to 36 holes at least five days a week. He was proud to have achieved three holes in ones in his lifetime, two of them at Cedarcrest. Duane is survived by sons, Kevin (Karlene) of Ankeny, IA, and Kerry (Julie) of Olathe, KS; stepson, Randy (Kathy) Rogers of Waverly, IA; 11 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Washington Chapel Cemetery in rural Cedar Falls. Visitation will be one hour prior to the graveside service at Washington Chapel Church (7035 W Bennington Road, Cedar Falls, Iowa).

Duane Baskins

August 29, 1930 - December 10, 2023