Duane L. Manderscheid

Manderscheid, Duane L., Age 79 of Sun City West, AZ passed away on August 30, 2026 while surrounded by family.

Duane was born on January 5, 1947 in Clinton, Iowa, to Orville and Marie (Ryan) Manderscheid. He grew up on the family farm near Zwingle, where he developed the strong work ethic, generosity, and love of nature that remained with him throughout his life. He graduated from Wahlert High School in 1965.

Duane spent over 40 years working in the can manufacturing industry with National Can Company and Continental Can Company. Throughout his life, family was always his greatest priority. He was married to the love of his life for 58 years and was a devoted husband, father, and family man. He especially enjoyed coaching his daughters’ softball teams and supporting his family in all they pursued. He worked hard to support Mary, Kelley, and Laura in their pursuit of post secondary education.

Duane was active throughout his life. He was a member of the Jaycees while living in Iowa and played baseball in Rockford and Newton. He also enjoyed golfing and creating beautiful stained-glass projects. Always willing to share his time and talents, Duane often helped others by repairing their computers, which helped hundreds of people during the pandemic connect with loved ones. His life reflected a genuine commitment to serving others.

Duane had a deep appreciation for nature. He enjoyed hunting wild turkey and deer, not only for the sport but also for the opportunity to spend peaceful time outdoors. In each of the eleven homes he and his wife owned across seven states, Duane planted a tree or cactus—a lasting reflection of his love for nature and his desire to leave something growing wherever life took them.

In retirement, Duane and his wife moved to Sun City West, Arizona, where they could enjoy warm weather year-round. Their Arizona home became a special gathering place where family visited several times throughout the year, creating many treasured memories. They also built wonderful and lasting friendships in their Arizona community.

A faithful Catholic throughout his life, Duane’s faith guided how he lived and treated others. In Arizona, one of his favorite traditions was attending Sunday Mass and then gathering with a large group of friends for donuts afterward. His devotion to family, faith, service, and friendship shaped a life filled with purpose and love. Duane will be remembered for his generosity, strong work ethic, quiet service to others, and the deep love he had for his family.

Duane is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughters, Kelley Manderscheid, and Laura (Tom) Freer; his 3 grandsons Cooper (Chelsea) Cafritz, Hunter Dickerson, and Ryan Dickerson; and his sisters-in-law Judy (Eldon), Judy (Roger), Anne (Glenn) and 7 nephews and 10 nieces . Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Marie; sisters Carol (Gary) Ernst and Ardis Cobar; brothers Eldon, Gerald, Roger, and Glenn; father-in-law, Harold Berkley; mother-in-law, Rosemary Berkley; sisters-in-law Barb (Gary) Quinlan and Joyce (Ed) Coleman; brother-in-law William Berkley; niece Melissa Johnson and nephew Pat Coleman.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 PM on Saturday, September 26 at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, St. Paul, MN with a Prayer Service beginning at 3 PM. For those who cannot attend, a livestream link is posted below.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to the family, and they will be used to support the Manderscheid Family Scholarships for students at Fairview Alternative High School. Duane believed deeply in the importance of postsecondary education and encouraging young people to continue learning after high school. These scholarships will honor his legacy by helping future generations pursue education and training beyond graduation.